Mathare United Chief Executive Officer Jecton Obure has termed the National Super League (NSL) as the most competitive league in the country, with the biggest reach and many talents. This comes after Mathare United participated in the 2023/2024 NSL season following their relegation from the previous season.##NAJAVA_MECA_8204431##The Slum Boys found themselves in the NSL after being relegated from the FKF Premier League in the 2022/2023 season, a period marked by serious financial challenges and allegations of match manipulation by some players, which led to poor results.“The main reason why we went down, according to us, was because some of our players were allegedly involved in match manipulation. We couldn’t win even one out of ten matches despite preparing the team week in, week out, and of course, the financial strains we were also undergoing,” said Obure.In the NSL, they seemed to have overcome those troubles, receiving financial assistance from what CEO Obure referred to as “friends and well-wishers” in an earlier interview with Mozzart Sport. Among the friends who have supported the slum boys is Kericho Senator and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot.Naivas FC coach confident despite narrow playoff loss to SofapakaThis support saw the team perform well in the second tier, eventually earning automatic promotion and a return to the top flight. In an interview with TV 47, Obure gave his assessment and account of the NSL.“NSL is a very tough league. It is probably the most competitive league in the country. It covers almost all corners of the country, from Ukunda to Mumias, Bomet to Migori, with players drawn from all those corners of the country,” said Obure.Providing more details, Obure said that the biggest challenge in the league and the teams therein is insufficient funds, which leads to many malpractices.“The biggest challenge facing the league is the constraint on resources. Many teams don’t have the financial muscle to be self-sufficient, and there are few sponsors in the league, which makes teams strain and also provides an avenue for teams and players to be involved in malpractices that are detrimental to the game,” he added.CECAFA Cup struggles with prestige as major clubs withdraw
