Odipo leaves Mathare United as FKF PL promotion race tightens

Leonard Odipo has left Mathare United and the National Super League side has moved to appoint Jeff Maina as interim head coach.

Maina was serving as Odipo's assistant and, in the meantime, will have to carry out the head coach's responsibilities. 

The club confirmed Odipo's departure, which they said was a mutual agreement agreed upon by both parties.

"The club would like to confirm that a mutual decision was reached with Leonard Odipo for him to step aside from his role as head coach.

"Assistant coach Jeff Maina will delegate in this capacity until further communication from the club," Mathare United said.

The club's chief executive officer, Chris Obure, said they accepted Odipo's move to leave, and the tactician will always be an admired figure within the club's ranks.

“While respecting Leonard Odipo’s desire to step aside, our club appreciates his full commitment and effort as our head coach.

"He is and will always remain a highly respected and admired member and senior coach in the MYSA/MUFC family," Obure said.

Odipo is a CAF A license holder and joined the 2008 Premier League winners before the start of the ongoing season.

Tight promotion race

The change in the technical unit comes as the Slum Boys are involved in a tight Football Kenya Federation Premier League promotion. The Slum Boys are second on the NSL table at 46 points.

The race is a tight one given that Naivas are leading with 52 points and Nairobi United, third on the log, are on the same tally as Mathare United, with goal difference separating them.

Mara Sugar are fourth with 44 points, and all four top four teams have played 23 games.

Odipo's first match will be a duel set for Kasarani Annex against Luanda Villa on Saturday, March 23, 2024.