Wake up call for Mathare left back, Ogolla

Mathare United left back Norman Ogolla will have to step up if he is to regain his place in the starting team after being dropped in their 1-0 loss to Bidco United on Thursday.

Coach Frank Ouna surprisingly overlooked the youngster for the experienced and right footed Anthony Otieno in the match which they lost courtesy of Eric Gichimu's first half goal.

Ogolla who has been one of consistent players at the club has revealed that he was deprived of the starting roles as he skipped training days to the match due to stomach upsets.

The former Green Commandos player who was accommodated on the technical bench noted that Otieno's performance was good enough to topple him from the first team.

"I did not travel well with the team in the week due to illness. I was impressed with how Otieno handled the pressure on the left flank. I have to work harder if I am muscle him out of the team. The competition will also make me good going forward," he said.

Ogolla who joined Mathare in January last year after completing his studies in the meantime self assured that the club will beat relegation.

With eight rounds to go, the 2008 league champions sit at the rock bottom of the log with fourteen points, four adrift of safety.

The defender says at least three wins and a couple of draws will see them retain their top flight status.

"We will certainly survive. We only need at least three wins to beat the drop. We have been playing well but unlucky not to win matches. If we take our chances and defend well then we will make out of the danger zone," he added.