Mathare United’s upturn in form seems to be having an effect on the team already and after clinching another win – the third in four games – against Wazito on Saturday, interim head coach Samuel Koko believes that his side is capable of sizing up against the run-away leaders Gor Mahia this week.“Gor Mahia should expect a tough match,” Koko told Mozzart Sport. “We are a different Mathare United side. There was one in the past but this one is much more different. They [players] are here to make history.”About history, Koko was buoyed by the fact that his side had finally recorded a win against Wazito, a side Mathare United had lost to for the previous seven match days dating back to 2018.##NAJAVA_MECA_7060420##“I absolutely like this team right now,” the club’s former goalkeeper’s head coach said. “Against Wazito for example, that was a pressure game and the boys stood up and faced the moment. All that matters for them is to win.”Boosting Koko’s confidence is the ‘concentration and attitude’ from all players including striker Daniel Otieno who he singled out after scoring two vital goals in their last three matches that have gone on to be winners.“Otieno reflects what team we have as of now,” Koko said. “He comes in as a substitute and always does what we expect him to do. That’s the culture we all have here.”🟢 | THE CLASH Form aside, encounters against Mathare United have always been tough – we face them tomorrow in a league clash at Kasarani.Which is your memorable match against them? #Sirkal | #GorFansClub pic.twitter.com/Iqx5inMkIm— GOR FANS CLUB (@OfficialGMFC) February 28, 2023 Having leapt out of the relegation places, Koko believes that the collective feeling of the club could go on to impact how the team performs in their next games – including Wednesday’s clash against Gor Mahia.“All the wins we’ve had are acting as a big motivation for the players,” Koko said on Saturday, referring to the high-fives and smiles the players were having at full time. “That, plus the fans who are making it a proper experience is the reason I believe we will pose a challenge on Wednesday and even finish higher up in the table.”Koko admitted to having discussions with the team about how important it was to treat the fans with a proper display during match days.Nzoia set to promote loyal servant to rank of assistant coachIn recent weeks, Mathare United confirmed the signing of David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng’ – a man Koko believes will add more experience to his side especially with the bulk of the team being young.“He has been with us before and has trained with us for a few weeks,” Koko said. “Him being around will offer the players some guidance and stability.”Also encouraged by the signing was Daniel Otieno who believed that ‘having a senior player will teach the team a lot.”Mathare United are currently in 15th position in the league with 13 points in 17 matches.
