Gameweek 5 of the SportPesa Premier League continues this evening with a thrilling fixture lined up at Kasarani Stadium, where Mathare United host Gor Mahia in what promises to be an exciting clash of form and ambition. Kickoff is at 4 p.m.
Mathare United head into the match buoyed by their stunning 1–0 win away to Shabana at Gusii Stadium, a result that shocked many and reignited belief within the Slum Boys’ camp. The victory, their second of the season, lifted them to eighth on the table, and coach John Kamau believes it could be the turning point of their campaign.
Kamau expressed optimism ahead of the match, acknowledging Gor Mahia’s pedigree but insisting that his team is capable of rising to the challenge.
We’ll build from our victory in Gusii. It was a big result for us and restored confidence in the squad. Facing Gor Mahia is always challenging, but it’s doable. We have to stay disciplined and play with courage, -said Kamau.
The Mathare tactician also heaped praise on his goalkeeper Kevin Ouru, who was outstanding against Shabana, making several key saves to preserve the clean sheet.
“Ouru has been immense this season. He’s been one of our standout players, always bailing the team out in crucial moments. His leadership and composure give us confidence from the back,” Kamau added.
Gor Mahia, meanwhile, arrive in buoyant spirits after their emotional 3–0 triumph over Posta Rangers at Nyayo Stadium , a match that transcended football as the club paid tribute to their late patron, Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga. On the pitch, K’Ogalo were dominant and clinical, with substitutes Ben Stanley Omondi, Austin Odhiambo, and Felix Oluoch finding the net. A win today would push the record champions to second place, just one point behind league leaders Kakamega Homeboyz, with a game in hand.
Speaking ahead of the match, Gor Mahia assistant coach Kobi Bismark-Mensa emphasized the team’s preparation and discipline, revealing that right-back Lewis Bandi remains the only injury absentee, while Ghanaian winger Ebenezer Adu-Kwaw is back in contention.
“We are going to approach it with all seriousness because proper preparation prevents poor performance,” he said.
Mathare are a good side , I’ve watched them several times , but I don’t think they can play better than us. We have experience and quality, and I believe if we play above ourselves, we’ll win. – Kobi Bismark
He also confirmed that midfielder Alpha Onyango, who was rested in the last game due to fatigue, is fully fit, while Adu-Kwaw could be eased back into action after getting 20 minutes in a friendly game earlier this week.
Historically, Mathare United have often been a tricky opponent for Gor Mahia, with past encounters producing intense and unpredictable outcomes. However, last season Gor Mahia broke that trend in emphatic fashion, recording a 4–0 victory , their biggest ever over the Slum Boys.
The two clubs have faced each other 43 times in league history, with Gor Mahia winning 17 matches, Mathare United triumphing 12 times, and 14 ending in draws. Today’s fixture will be their 44th meeting and given the form both sides bring into it, another memorable chapter is set to be written at Kasarani.
Gor Mahia will look to tighten their pursuit of the top spot, while Mathare United aim to prove that their Gusii heroics were no fluke.
