Mathare United custodian Steve Njung’e believes the team’s victory over Tusker FC will impart to them the motivation ahead of their remaining rounds of league fixtures.

John Kamau’s side mounted a stunning performance to edge the title-chasing Brewers team 2-1 in Dandora Stadium on Sunday, April 27, 2025, thanks to substitute Musa Masika and Paul Kinyanjui combining for the winning goal.

The victory saw Slum boys add to their improved run in a season that saw them battle their way from the cusp of a relegation threat and now sit midtable.

Njung’e hailed another statement of resurgence against a formidable foe, keen to maintain the charge for the league honours.

“This is a proper motivation since Tusker is not just any other team. They are up there fighting for the title, and to get a win over them is massive. It gives us the motivation for the next game. We have to mount the fight and earn the points. We have sent a warning message to the opponent, and hopefully, we can improve,“ he stated.

Despite seeing limited time at Mathare after trading the red and blue of Posta Rangers for a stint with the Slum boys, Njunge was ultimately relieved to help the team’s cause.

“I’m used to being among the players in the starting lineup. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve been playing or not. Once you are on the pitch, you have to fight till the very end. I feel getting used to playing once after a lengthy absence has been my main challenge, but I’m now catching up,” Njunge, who made a bold decision to halt his five-season stay in the FKF-PL to join Mathare in the NSL last season, added.

The clash was the custodian’s first since featuring in the past league tier against Kenya Police FC. He has, however, had to bid for his chances, having fallen down the club’s goalkeeping pecking order in a department that also has Robert Mboya and Michael Wanyika.

Meanwhile, coach John Kamau hailed a strong character from his side after overcoming several last-minute changes to the team en route to the memorable win.

“I was happy with the character and mentality of the players. I feel they deserve it, and congratulations to them. It was a hectic preparation for the match after we were forced to make some changes to the team with a day to the game,” Kamau stated.

The coach also spoke on being the beneficiaries of the support of Gor Mahia fans, who turned out in their numbers to watch the clash that preceded their tie against Mara Sugar.

“We take the support positively. Though it had its hidden agenda, as Gor Mahia needed Tusker to drop points, now the league is open for the top five teams. Overall, as our league remains open and competitive for the five top teams,” he said.