Mathare United have made nine signings in the off-season with the hope of making an impact in the top tier this campaign.

The slum boys are yet to kick off their campaign after their fixtures were postponed twice by the Football Kenya Federation-Premier League organisers.

However, despite the hiccups, the new boys are looking bullish and ready to go. Interestingly all the new acquisitions are returnees who once played for the club or the feeder Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA).

The players who were officially unveiled on Monday at a Nairobi hotel talked of a familiar environment to play which encouraged them to re-join the 2008 league champion.

They were also full of praise of the expectations in the team, given the balance incorporated by the technical bench and club management as a whole.

Former AFC Leopards and Tusker central defender David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng was optimistic of a good target with his new team adding it was a pleasure rejoining the ranks.

The 29 year old has had stints in the Middle East and USA as well and is hopeful his experience would count for something.

“I have travelled and gained experience and I believe it will be of value to the team.

Mathare is home to most of us and the management has been welcoming. This is a team with history and what it is known for is good football, therefore the decision to join was not difficult.

We want to do well and I believe we have a good mix of experience and young talent.

We will definitely be a team to watch and I believe this a good place to play my football,” stated the utility player.

Meanwhile former Sofapaka and Posta Rangers midfielder Danson Kago said he was elated at the prospect of playing in a team that had values.

“This for me is more than a football club, the communal element is everything and therefore I am happy to don the yellow and green jersey.

I want to do my best and I am encouraged by what I have seen here during my short stay,” he said.

Another midfielder Cercidy ‘Carrick’ Okeyo formerly of Gor Mahia and Sofapaka has also poured praise to his new home and was anxious to get started.