The battle for the relegation play-off spot is been hotly contested between Wazito FC and Mathare United. Both teams are fighting to secure their place in the league for the upcoming season and are leaving nothing to chance.
Currently, there is a four-point gap between the two teams, with Wazito FC having the upper hand.
Mathare United is facing a prospect they have never faced before ever since their promotion to the premier league in 1999. The Nairobi community-based club has been a household name in Kenyan football and has made its mark in the FKF Premier League, clinching the title in the 2007/2008 season and participated in various CAF inter club competitions.
Coach Collins Omondi Korea recognizes the history behind the club saying, “Mathare United has been a pillar of Kenyan football, every facet in football has had influence from this institution ranging from coaching to player development in both the female and male’s game and for this reason we want to keep upholding this rich history and to secure our place in the top tier of football.”
While acknowledging their past achievements, the team is however now focused on it’s current situation, which will be round 33 game they face next against Ulinzi Stars and are gunning for a positive result to be able to take this battle down to the wire. “The team’s attitude is fantastic, and we expect a positive outcome in our match against Ulinzi on Wednesday. Although our style of play has been commendable, we need to work on converting our opportunities into goals. Therefore, we have been focusing on improving our effectiveness in front of the goal during training.”
On the other hand, the Muhoroni based side Wazito FC are fairly new in the top tier competition making their debut in 2018. Their best league finish came in the 2020/2021 season when they secured a ninth-place position.
Recently, they achieved a crucial victory against title contenders Tusker FC, boosting their confidence and alleviating some of the pressure.
Looking ahead to their next fixture, Coach Charles Odera acknowledges the positive impact the win against Tusker has had on his team, stating, “The victory has relieved some of the pressure on us. We have managed to create a four-point gap between us and Mathare United, and my players now have the a bit more confidence in their ability to beat the next opponent.”
Coach Odera’s emphasizes that the fight to remain in the FKF Premier League is far from over, and his team must maintain focus on the task at hand. He asserts, “We are yet to be safe, we have to keep displaying that fighting spirit for both our remaining fixtures and also the possible play-off match that we are fighting so hard to secure ”
The two teams are scheduled to play against each other in the last round of matches in the league on June 25, 2023. However both coaches are adamant that they need to win their next matches before contemplating their crucial encounter at the end of the season.
Fans of both teams will be hoping that come the ultimate day their team survives the drop.
Remaining Fixtures
Wazito FC
Bidco (A)
Mathare United (H)
Mathare United FC
Ulinzi Stars (H)
Wazito FC (A)
Round 33 Fixtures
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
- FC Talanta vs Nairobi City Stars (Kasarani Annex, 3 pm)
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
- AFC Leopards vs Sofapaka (Nyayo Stadium, 3 pm)
- Nzoia Sugar vs KCB (Sudi Stadium, 3 pm)
- Mathare United vs Ulinzi Stars (Kasarani Annex, 3 pm)
- Bidco vs Wazito (Thika Stadium, 3 pm)
- Gor Mahia vs Kakamega Homeboyz (Kasarani Stadium, 3 pm)
- Bandari vs Kariobangi Sharks (Mbaraki Grounds, 3 pm)
- Tusker vs Posta Rangers (Ruaraka Grounds, 3 pm)
- Kenya Police vs Vihiga Bullets (Kasarani Main Stadium, 3pm)
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