Mathare United beat rivals to John Makwata's signature

Mathare United have made a bold statement in the transfer window by landing the marquee signing of John Mark Makwata until the end of the 2025/26 season, beating competition from KCB FC, Bandari FC, and Kariobangi Sharks to secure his signature.

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The Kenya international arrives from Mombasa-based Bandari FC, where he saw limited playing time during the first leg of the season, and becomes the Slum Boys’ third acquisition in the ongoing mid-season transfer window.

Speaking after sealing the move, the former FKF Premier League top scorer expressed his delight at joining the club, citing its rich history and familiarity with the technical bench as key factors behind his decision.

“I am happy to be here, and I am relishing the new challenge. After considering several factors, I can confidently say Mathare United is the best fit for me.

It is a historic club, and the coach is someone I have worked with before, which will make settling in much easier,” Makwata told the club’s website.

Makwata has consistently ranked among the league’s top scorers both locally and during spells abroad. His career has seen him feature for Nairobi City Stars, AFC Leopards, Kenya Police FC, Kariobangi Sharks, Ulinzi Stars, and clubs in Zambia, Botswana and Kuwait.

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Head coach John Kamau hopes the striker’s arrival will address his side’s biggest weakness this season, having previously admitted that a lack of cutting edge in front of goal had cost the team valuable points.

Back in December, Kamau revealed plans to strengthen his squad in the January transfer window after missing out on key targets before the season kicked off.

“At the start of the season, we had identified players who could have helped solve the problem we are experiencing, but unfortunately, we were not in a position to get them,” Kamau said at the time.

“We decided to manage the remaining two to three matches and wait for the mid-season transfer window to see whether we could bring in quality in the frontline.”

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Kamau, who previously worked with Makwata in the Harambee Stars setup, now believes the club has successfully addressed that concern.

“The only thing we have lacked is goals. In most matches, we have matched our opponents but failed to convert our chances.

With Makwata, we get a player who almost solves all of our issues in attack. We have recruited well in this window, and I am optimistic about our chances going forward,” he added.

At Mathare, the St Luke’s Kimilili Boys alumnus reunites with familiar faces, including John Macharia and Kevin Ouru, having previously played alongside Macharia at Bandari and Ouru at Kariobangi Sharks.

He also links up again with goalkeeper coach David Okello and trainer Danson Kago, former teammates during his time with the Harambee Stars.

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