Mathare United head coach John Kamau is wary of KCB Football Club as the two sides clash in the second round of the new Kenyan Premier League season on Friday, September 26, 2025, at Kasarani Annex.

Ahead of the 3 pm kickoff, John Kamau has talked up the encounter and is expecting a direct approach from the Bankers, whom he feels have already gelled together after an extensive off-season.

“We are going up against a team that did not break. A team that ended the last campaign and immediately began preparations for this season. They even went abroad for a week or so, so that shows you we are going to face a team that has gelled well. This was evident in the last round. We therefore have to be on top of our game mentally to be able to conquer them.”

The Mathare United tactician cited mental breakdown as one of the main reasons why the lads started the season with defeat, falling 2-1 to Posta Rangers at the same venue on Monday, September 22, 2025, in their season opener. He delved deeper into this saying, “That address about us not being up to par mentally against the Rangers was meant for the players. They are the ones who should address that, as they are professional players and understand the magnitude of playing for this club.”

No pressure facing the Bankers

However, Kamau, a former KCB coach, has fallen short of terming Friday’s match, which will be beamed live on TV, as a must-win game.

He said, “I can’t say that this is a must-win match, as that will be putting unnecessary pressure on the players. We need to understand that this (the league) is a marathon. Some teams will come into the season on a high, while others will gradually improve as the campaign progresses. Case in point, last season.”

Friday’s match will be the 25th meeting in the top-flight between Mathare United and KCB FC since 2009. The Bankers have the advantage as they have won 11 times to our six. Last season, however, Mathare United went unbeaten in this fixture after picking up four points from Robert Matano’s charges.

On the other hand, KCB will be seeking to extend their winning streak after beating Tusker FC 2:0 in their season opener on Friday, September 19, 2025 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.