Former Gor Mahia attacking midfielder John Macharia has set his sights on leading Mathare United to top-flight silverware.

Macharia, who joined the club on a one-year deal on Monday, August 18, 2025, has revealed his eagerness to get going with the Slum Boys after switching from rivals Bandari FC.

He says leading the Slum Boys to silverware tops his priority at the Goan-based club, which last lifted the Kenya Premier League in 2008.

“To play in the Premier League is a big achievement, and to do so with Mathare United is every player’s dream. It has been long since Mathare lifted the Premier League, and I believe it can happen. I’m here to help the team lift the league or leave it in a respectable position,” he told the club’s media.

Macharia cut short his four-year-old professional stint in the Georgian top flight with Kolkheti Poti before returning home to sign with local champions Gor Mahia in 2020.

He later switched to league rivals Bandari after winning two league titles with the record 21-time league winners.

Having finally joined John Kamau’s coached team for the 2025 season, Macharia is hopeful of good tidings as he embarks on a novel experience with the club.

Reunion

At Mathare, he will link up with former teammates Peter Oudu, Musa Masika, and John Nyawir. He additionally reunites with Coach Kamau, whom he featured for during his stint with the Harambee Stars U20.

Coming home

“I feel I’m at home. There are many players we can fit in well with, like Brian Ochieng. I know we will get along well going forward into the new season,” he added.

The attacker’s signing is part of the club’s rebuilding phase following the departure of eight players whose contracts have come to an end ahead of the 2025/26 football season.

In a statement on Tuesday, August 29, 2025, Slum Boys confirmed Daniel Odhiambo, Starlon Odhiambo, Henry Oballa, Steve Njunge, Erickson Mulu, Godfrey Rabar, Eugene Mukangula, and Michael Wanyika among those axed.

Among them, several were regular figures in the squad, including goalkeeper Steve Njunge and experienced attacker Eugene Mukangula, who had former stints with AFC Leopards and the defunct Thia United.