Mwachaunga expects a formidable test from Mathare United

SS Assad head coach Ali Mwachaunga admits it will be tough as his side prepares to battle out Mathare United in a National Super League game fixed for Utalii Grounds on Saturday afternoon.

Prior to the match, both teams are tied at ten points, with a potential top of the league in offing for a side that will kill the match to pick the maximum points, though the slum boys have yet to drop points at home, whereas the Sea Lions have not won any away matches.

Simba Gii has had a good start to life in the 2023-2024 NSL season, the best ever since their promotion three seasons ago, having managed to pick up three wins, a single stalemate, and have suffered defeat twice, a performance that places them fifth on the standings.

Despite the strong entry into the term, Mwachaunga is not being carried away and suggests he expects a challenging outing as they visit the former Kenya Premier League champions.

“We are off to a good start, and everyone is talking about how good we are, but that cannot prevent us from acknowledging how strong our opponents are; they have just lost once this season and are playing at home. Obviously, they are going to come for us, so we are not underestimating them, and we are not also going to bow down and let them have their day,” offered the gaffer.

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Despite approaching the match as the underdogs, Mwachaunga has maintained the belief of picking maximum points against the Leonard Odipo-coached side, indicating that Simba Gii has matured enough to wrestle with the big boys on the elite stage.

“We have had vigorous training over the week basically for this match, so I expect my boys to rise up to the occasion, kill the game, and pick the three points. This is not Assad two seasons ago; we have matured enough to battle anyone who comes our way. Therefore, Mathare should expect a tough battle. We are optimistic about taking the points to Shamu,’ he added.

The promotion-earning coach with the Sea Lion further re-evaluated the club's performance last weekend against Mulembe United, saying that his side came on top, grabbing a 2-1 victory, and urges his players to build on the positivity from the match to thwart their Saturday opponents

“The lads had a good game against Mulembe United; I have told them to build on that, and if they showcase the same display, then we are going to hand Mathare a heavy beating. The away games we have played so far have seen our players lose concentration toward the end, and we have been hit mostly by that, which we have rectified as a team, “he concluded.

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