Africa-Press – Kenya. Evans Mafuta is the latest casualty in the National Super League coaching shake-up after parting ways with Mwatate United as the race for promotion and survival intensifies.
The tactician confirmed his departure from the Taita Taveta-based side on Wednesday, saying he left by mutual consent alongside his assistant, Ali Ochieng. Mafuta cited prolonged financial challenges at the club as the key factor behind his decision.
“For the last seven months, the club has failed to fulfil its contractual obligations to both the players and me. I found the situation untenable. I opted to leave in good faith, and I wish the team well in the relegation fight,” he said.
Mafuta’s final match in charge was a 2-1 loss to FC Talanta over the weekend. He revealed the difficult conditions the team has been operating under, including logistical setbacks and a lack of proper training facilities. “We arrived in Nairobi at 3 am for the Talanta game. Training sessions have been inconsistent, sometimes due to a lack of a training ground. The situation is dire,” added Mafuta, who previously guided APS Bomet to promotion to the top tier last season.
Mwatate United are currently 19th on the table with 21 points from 28 matches, just one point above bottom-placed Vihiga United. Mafuta becomes the third coach to exit in the past week. On Monday, promotion hopefuls Mombasa United parted ways with veteran tactician Gilbert Selebwa despite the team sitting second in the standings.
“The decision has been reached following a comprehensive internal review and is in line with the club’s broader sporting objectives and performance expectations,” the club said in a statement. The decision followed a 2-0 defeat to Kibera Black Stars last weekend.
Meanwhile, coach Salim Babu left former FKF Premier League side Nairobi City Stars last week after his contract expired. “It’s true I left last week. I’m now a free agent,” said Babu, who has since been linked with moves to Shabana FC and Mombasa United. The wave of coaching changes underlines the pressure mounting across the league as teams push for promotion or battle to avoid relegation.
