Ali explains early Mathare United struggles in FKF Premier League

Mathare United head coach Salim Ali believes his charges are on the right path to fitness after a slow start to the season.

The 2008 champions have so far played two FKF Premier League games this season. They lost 4-2 to Sofapaka FC before falling 3-1 to reigning champions Gor Mahia. 

The tactician, who has been linked to the vacant assistant coaching job at K'Ogalo, believes his charges are in the right direction.

"We have not been at the races so far in terms of match fitness," Ali said ahead of the Monday afternoon game.

"This has been our undoing in those tight situations in matches. But we are slowly getting to the level where we can compete and I expect to see a huge improvement against Zoo."

The Slum Boys' tactician has further explained why he did not expect his team to start the 2020/21 season on a high as the fans and supporters may have wished.

"To be honest, I expected [these struggles in the early stages of the season," Ali continued.

"We have been disadvantaged with the lack of a proper pre-season and having to play teams that have played five or so matches more than us. The first few games were always going to be tough as we were also using them as our pre-season."

The match between Mathare and Zoo will be played at Kasarani Stadium from 15.00 hours EAT. However, the hosts are set to be without their striker Clifford Alwanga who injured his knee ligament and would be ruled out for an unspecified period.

"Clifford Alwanga will not be available for selection for an unspecified period of time after he damaged ligaments in his left knee in training on Saturday," the club confirmed in a statement.

The Slum Boys also gave the reason why the injured star did not take part in the games against Sofapaka and Gor Mahia.

"The veteran striker hasn’t played a part in any of Mathare United’s first two games of the season due to personal reasons and the setback is a big blow not only to the player but to the team as a whole."