Mathare United's second assistant coach Leonard Odipo has stated that the objective remains to stabilize the Kenya Premier League ( KPL ) side on the table standings and finish at a respectable position before dreaming again for next season.
Speaking in Nairobi on Monday after the club's training session, Odipo, together with first assistant coach Gabriel Njoroge and head coach John Kamau, agreed that some of the issues facing their players were psychological and can be resolved by pep talks as the club seeks better results.
"We came back from a goal down and won against Tusker on Saturday at the Police Sacco, but that is just one time, we need to do that severally because a league is a marathon, we still have got many other games home and away to play and have to fight for those three points," admitted Odipo who also added that he wants to blend a squad mixed with rookies and veterans.
Patrick Kapaito's headed home a free header to lead the 13-time champions at the break, only for a Dennis Okoth brace added by an Isaac Omweri screamer, led the 2008/2009 KPL champions to a frenzy as they celebrated their only seventh win of the season.
Odipo and Njoroge's magic, tactically reshaped Kamau's midfield when they pulled out veteran Elly Asieche, Mark Makwata, and Dennis Mukoye in the 76th minute to debut youngster Adams Nyambane, prodigies Harrison Amalemba and Dennis Okoth respectively, changes that proved difficult to deal with for the Charles Okere and George Maina-led Tusker FC.
Odipo, Njoroge, and head coach Kamau now face another tricky assignment this Wednesday in Kisii against Peter Okidi's Shabana, who are third on the log, having won nine out of 20, tied seven, and lost four, accumulating 34 points in the process.
Mathare United currently lie 11th on the logg having won only seven out of 20, with nine losses and four draws that have resulted in 25 points at the moment.
It will be a push and pull on Wednesday, with Kamau's tactical bench favoring a build up from the back with having a larger share of ball possession to control the game, while Okidi, will defend with a low block, counter attack and also press high if space allows, either way, both gaffers have no option but to go for three points. On Wednesday, Gusii Stadium will be Hell.
