Former AFC Leopards striker reveals reason for joining Mathare over numerous suitors
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Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 17.01.26. | 20:14
For much of the campaign, Mathare’s performances have been structurally sound - controlling phases of possession, creating chances and managing opponents - yet they have lacked the decisive touch in the final third
Mathare United’s capture of John Mark Makwata for the remainder of the 2025/26 FKF Premier League season is a targeted solution to a clearly defined problem.
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For much of the campaign, Mathare’s performances have been structurally sound - controlling phases of possession, creating chances and managing opponents - yet they have lacked the decisive touch in the final third. Makwata’s arrival is designed to correct that imbalance.
The 2016 FKF Premier League Golden Boot winner arrives amid heavy speculation linking him with a return to familiar ground, particularly Kariobangi Sharks, where he was recently spotted watching league action against Gor Mahia.
Instead, Mathare have won the race, securing a forward whose profile fits their tactical needs rather than just headline ambitions.
In his interview posted by Mathare United, Makwata stated the cordial previous relationship with John Kamau as one of the endearing factors on his side. Mathare United's style of play was also another factor, and we look to dissect this.
"I'm happy to be here. I've considered a lot of things before joining Mathare, one of them being the coach wanting me, and he's already coached me at the national team level.
I know his training and his style of play. I had numerous deals, but I also looked at the team's style of play and where I can settle in quickly.
I also looked at the team's projects, and the coach really emphasised me being in his plans. It's a good place, but maybe people might be shocked that I'm here," said the former Ulinzi Stars forward.
Makwata’s career arc speaks to both experience and adaptability.
He has featured for Nairobi City Stars, Ulinzi Stars, AFC Leopards, Kenya Police and Bandari FC locally, alongside spells in Zambia, Kuwait, Botswana and Tanzania.
That exposure to varied tactical environments has shaped a striker comfortable operating in different game models - from transition-heavy sides to possession-dominant structures.
His most recent domestic return underlined his enduring quality.
Last season’s second leg saw Makwata score 16 goals for Kariobangi Sharks, finishing joint-second in the league scoring charts despite not playing the full campaign.
Those goals were built less on volume shooting and more on efficiency: sharp box movement, intelligent anticipation of second balls, and ruthless execution from high-value areas.
This directly aligns with what Mathare United have lacked.
Under head coach Kamau, the team has consistently progressed the ball well and created chances through structured possession and wide combinations.
The missing link has been a striker capable of converting territorial and xG superiority into goals. Makwata is not tasked with reinventing the attack - he is there to finish it.
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Tactically, Makwata offers more than penalty-box presence.
He can pin centre-backs to create depth, drop into the half-spaces to link play, and time delayed movements into the box to attack cutbacks.
His stated preference for a Harry Kane-style interpretation of the striker role reflects a forward comfortable combining play before attacking space with precision.
His calmness in front of goal remains his standout trait. Clean ball striking, minimal backlift and composed decision-making allow him to finish quickly before defensive blocks reset - a vital quality in tight FKF Premier League matches.
Integration should be seamless. At Mathare, Makwata reunites with former teammates John Macharia and Kevin Ouru, and reconnects with staff he has worked with at the national team level through the Harambee Stars.
In essence, Makwata’s signing is a strategic upgrade. Mathare United have addressed their biggest weakness with a forward whose experience, tactical intelligence and finishing efficiency could be the difference between strong performances and tangible results.
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