Mathare defender happy to be back after three months out

Versatile Mathare United defender Martin Ongori is glad to have kicked the ball again at the competitive level after three months in the cold. The defender returned to the fold last weekend when the 2008 league champions fell to fellow strugglers Vihiga Bullets 1-0 at Ruaraka grounds.

Ongori who can play either as a right back or a centre back had last played for the club in the 2-1 loss to AFC Leopards at the Nyayo National Stadium, a game that ended sourly as he picked an ankle injury that has been keeping him out since then.

The stocky player walked straight to the starting team against Bullets but his presence could not prevent the slum boys from registering the 20th loss of the season that complicated their chances of surviving the axe.

“I am happy to have returned to the pitch although we did not get positive results. I was longing for the day I would get clearance from the medical department and help the team get off the bottom rank. I will give my best in the remaining matches for the sake of our top flight status,” he said.

Mathare who have won three league matches this season are ten points adrift of safety and with nine rounds remaining, Ongori feels concerted efforts from the management and the playing unit will save the club from sinking to the lower tier.

Last season, Mathare beat the drop in the final fixture of the season and with a similar scenario presenting itself again, Ongori has called for commitment from all quarters to redeem the image of the club.