This archive report was first published on 15 July 2019.
Published on July 15, 2019, Mathare United women's head coach Mary Odhiambo is optimistic about her team's chances of avoiding relegation despite losing several key players during the mid-season break.
The team has suffered a series of setbacks, including the loss of central midfielders Teresia Lundu and Lilian Ngina to Gaspo Women and Ulinzi Starlets, respectively. Additionally, left back Lucy Stella joined Kibera Girls, while left winger Josphine Nana headed to Spedag Ladies.
"No coach is happy to lose players; it is a challenge to us because they were key players, we now have to push ourselves with the players we have but we will feel their absence," Odhiambo said in an interview with Citizen Digital.
Mathare United has struggled in the league, losing 11 matches out of 15 games played, winning two, and drawing two to garner eight points. They are currently two points clear of Kayole and three ahead of basement side Spedag.
Despite the challenges, Odhiambo remains committed to achieving the team's objectives, which include finishing in the top 10 or top five. She expressed her determination to push the players to meet these goals.
One positive development for the team is the selection of centre back Lucy Akoth for the provisional Harambee Starlets squad preparing for the 2020 Olympic qualifier.
Mathare United drew 1-1 with Kayole Starlets in a bottom-of-the-table Kenya Women Premier League clash at the Camp Toyoyo grounds on Saturday.
