“It’s not over yet,” were the words of coach Collins “Korea” Omondi when probed on Mathare United’s realistic chances of escaping relegation in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) this season.”In football, and life, anything can happen,” the former Mathare United player, who took over the reins in early May, repeated the cliché.Placed 16th on the log standings with just two rounds to go, the Slum Boys’ only way out of the quagmire is to topple Wazito FC from the relegation playoffs position 15.##NAJAVA_MECA_7306266##But their fate is not in their hands especially after weekend games where Wazito won 2-1 against Tusker, as Mathare fell 1-0 at Kakamega Homeboyz, hence opening a four-point gap between them.”We’ve been unlucky in our last three games,” Korea said.Trouble at the den as Leopards strip Mukangula,Thiong’o of captaincy rolesWhen he took over, the team conceded eight goals in three games, yet, that has changed in the last three fixtures, where he has lost by identical 1-0 margins.”We do all the right things, but score. Against Homeboyz, we even lost a penalty. But we’re not giving up,” Omondi explained.Founded 29 years ago, Mathare United is famed for churning out countless talents from the dregs of Nairobi some of whom have gone ahead to enjoy successful careers, including with the national team Harambee Stars.Matano remains bullish despite losing title race advantageIn their heydays, the Slum Boys won one league title and two domestic cups.Yet, the past seasons have seen them deteriorate in terms of performance and more than once have been caught up in relegation survival battle, but none comes close to this season’s.Gor centre back Sylvester Owino ready for challenge after landing maiden Harambee Stars call upKorea is equally realistic and knows that indeed Mathare can sink, but he’s not living in fear of such a dreaded eventuality.”We shall cross that bridge when we reach there. Big teams like Juventus have been relegated in the past, but emerged stronger. Leicester City were axed despite winning the Premier League just recently.”In the meantime, Mathare United have Ulinzi Stars and Wazito FC to worry about.The final duel against Wazito is especially expected to be mighty.
