Makwata scores on debut as Mathare United stun Ulinzi Stars in FKF Premier League
By Joel Masibo, January 16, 2026John Mark Makwata scored in the 37th minute from the penalty spot on his Mathare United debut against his former side, Ulinzi Stars, on Friday, January 16, at the Kasarani Stadium, Annex to hand the 2028 Kenyan Premier League winners an important 1-0 victory against the Soldiers.
The experienced forward joined the Slum Boys in the January transfer window to help John Kamau’s men find the elusive goals as the Football Kenya Federation Premier League gathers momentum. John Makwata played for the Soldiers from 2013 to 2016 and won the Premier League Golden Boot in his final season with the club.
He led Mathare United’s onslaught for goals, supported by fellow new signings Mike Oduor and Isaac Omweri upfront. Omweri, who came on for the final 20 minutes against Murang’a Seal last time out, sloted in on the left side of our attack while Oduor roamed the right wing.
Steve Kimari made his first appearance of the New Year and started in midfield in the absence of the injured Mohammed Kilume.
Kevin Ouru remained between the sticks as he recorded his eighth clean sheet of the season. He had Sammy Imbuye and Ian Omondi at the heart of his defence with John Nyawir and Fidel Otieno on fullback duties.
Club top scorer Elli Asieche was part of a strong bench that also included Dennis Okoth, Musa Masika and John Macharia.
Lineup
Starting XI: K.Ouru (GK), Fidel, Nyawir, Imbuye, Omondi, Ochieng (C), Kimari, B.Ouru, Oduor, Omweri, Makwata
Subs: Odiwuor (GK), Odhiambo, Kiprotich, Kayugi, Mukoye, Ng’ang’a, Macharia, Masika, Asieche, Warai, Okoth
On joining the club, the former Premier League top scorer said, “I am happy to be here, and I am relishing the new challenge. I have considered a lot of things, and I can confidently say that Mathare is the best fit for me. It is a historic club, and the coach is someone I have worked with before, which makes settling easier. Those are some of the things that attracted me to the club.”
Speaking on Makwata’s signing, Kamau, who coached him during his spell as an assistant with the Harambee Stars, said, “The only thing I can feel we have lacked this season is goals. We have matched every opponent we have faced, but in games where we have faltered, it is because we were unable to bury the chances we created. With Makwatta, we get a player who almost solves all of our issues in attack. We have recruited well, trying to address our bluntness, and with the three players we have brought on board, I am optimistic of our chances going forward.”