Hundreds turn out as KPL side begins trials

2008 Kenya Premier League winners, Mathare United began their three-day  trials on Tuesday morning at the Goan Institute on Monday morning with over 250 players showing up.

In the absence of coach Francis Kimanzi who is in Egypt with the National team, Harambee Stars, assistant coach,Salim Ali took charge of the trials and at the end of day one only 30 players were retained. The 30 players will undergo further scrutiny on Tuesday and Wednesday after which they will be trimmed to a smaller number who will then be roped in by the club.

Meanwhile, the Slum Boys are at the verge of losing attacker, Cliff Nyakeya who is being courted by  National Super League winners, Wazito FC. Mathare are undergoing turbulent times financially and the new KPL moneybags are said to be on the verge of signing the Gor Mahia Youth team, prodigy.

The Francis Kimani led boys finished at position 8 in the KPL log after garnering 48 points despite the myriad of challenges the side faced.

Mathare United midfielder, Cliff Nyakeya

Mathare will play their first match of the 2019/20 season against league runners-up Bandari at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on Saturday, August 31 . This will be the first time United will be facing the Coastal club on matchday one.

After hosting the Dockers, the Slum Boys will visit Tusker at Ruaraka on September 14 before welcoming 2010 Premier League winners, Ulinzi Stars at Kasarani on Matchday three slated for September 21.

Then the first leg of the Slum Derby against nemesis Kariobangi Sharks will be played at the same venue on September 28 after which they will host top-tier league returnees Wazito to complete the first five rounds.

The side is expected to begin their training on July 1st in preparation for the new season that will kick off on 30th August.

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