Mathare United’s Sammy Imbuye drible ball with Victor Ngume of Kariobangi in hot pursiut during FKF Premier League at Dandora Stadium. Jan 12, 2025. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]
Kenyan football club Mathare United have taken a significant step forward in pursuit of stability and success, following the announcement of a one-year partnership with international gaming firm 1XBET.
The deal, valued at Sh20 million, will see the gaming firm serve as the club’s main jersey sponsor for the 2026/27 Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF PL) season.
The announcement was made during the official launch of the partnership on Thursday at the United Kenya Club in Nairobi.
In attendance were FKF Chief Executive Officer Harold Ndege, NEC member Abdallah Yusuf, Mathare United chairman Ingrid Munro, and CEO Jecton Obure, alongside representatives from the gaming firm, Kennedy Mumo and Zhdanova Elena.
The slum boys currently sit in 10th place on the FKF Premier League table with 40 points. They host Bandari tomorrow before wrapping up the season with a tie against Nairobi City Stars on June 22.
Mathare assistant captain Cetric Asango expressed pride in the club’s efforts to stay in the top flight.
“Our goal was to make sure the team stays in the league. We will give our best to try to bag maximum points and finish the season on a high,” said Asango.
Head coach John Kamau highlighted the club’s recent progress and future ambitions, noting, “We’ve met our main objective this season, and next year, we aim for even greater heights. Fans should expect a stronger team, as we continue to build.”
According to Mathare CEO Jecton Obure, the funds will be disbursed quarterly to support several initiatives by the club.
He also unveiled the ‘Mathare Rises Initiative,’ a broad program combining community development, youth empowerment, education, and sports infrastructure.
“We will focus on three areas-supporting the football infrastructure and players at the club, expanding social programmes for youth, volunteering education and development through sports, and engaging fans in the club’s life to create new opportunities for the community,” Obure stated.