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Mathari Hospital FC is teetering on the edge of relegation from the FKF Division Two League in Nairobi, struggling in the absence of their head coach, Police Constable Stephen Ominde.

The team, which has long relied on Ominde’s leadership and personal financial support, finds itself in a precarious position following his transfer from Nairobi to Isiolo.

Ominde’s relocation has had a profound impact on the club. Known for his hands-on approach, he managed the team and frequently dipped into his own pockets, along with support from Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital, to cover various expenses, ensuring the players had the resources they needed to compete effectively.

With his departure, the team has lost a vital source of both strategic guidance and financial support.

The assistant coach, now at the helm, has faced challenges in maintaining the same level of commitment and morale within the squad. The players, recognizing the void left by Ominde, have appealed for his return, emphasizing the critical role he played in their performance and overall team spirit.

“We miss Coach Ominde’s presence both on and off the field,” team captain Gilbert Ojuka lamented. “He believed in us and invested in our success, not just as athletes but as individuals from the slums of Mathare.”

Gilbert Ojuka further stated, “He knew the right words to use so that the players did not lose hope. We were winning matches. The players felt at home. Unfortunately, now that he is away, business is not as usual. Out of the 12 players he had signed from across the country, only four are still with us. This has posed a significant challenge to our assistant coaches, Austin Otieno and Tony Masibo, to steer the team forward.”

The financial strain is palpable. Without Ominde’s contributions, the team struggles to meet basic needs such as training equipment, travel costs for away matches, and even daily sustenance for some players.

This economic hardship has translated into poor performance on the pitch, with the team languishing at the bottom of the league table and facing the grim prospect of relegation after impressing in the regional league last season.

The situation has sparked a broader discussion about the role of police authorities and other stakeholders in supporting sports talent in underprivileged areas.

The players and supporters are calling for a reconsideration of Ominde’s transfer, arguing that his return would not only bolster the team’s chances of survival in the league but also serve as a testament to the authorities’ commitment to nurturing talent in slum areas like Mathare.

“Relegation would be a huge blow, not just for the team but for the entire community,” said assistant coach Tony Masibo. “We need support from those in power to recognize the importance of what we’re trying to achieve here.”

As the season progresses, Mathari Hospital FC’s future hangs in the balance. The players remain hopeful that their plea will be heard and that their beloved coach will return to lead them once again.’

For now, the team continues to fight on the pitch, determined to avoid relegation and prove that with the right support, even the most disadvantaged communities can achieve greatness.