Why 1xBet & Mathare United 'MTAANI Project' is a Game-Changer for Githurai

Mathare United and 1xBet launched the 1XBET MTAANI project at Githurai Primary School grounds on Tuesday in a colourful event that attracted over 3,000 fans. 

Built on the resonant message, “Football for Good,” the grassroots project is designed to inspire the next generation of footballers and support local talent through direct engagement. 

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News

Speaking during the event, Mathare United captain Brian Ochieng’ praised the initiative as one that will provide a lifeline for young talents to grow from the grassroots to the elite leagues.

“I would like to thank 1xBet for launching such an initiative. As someone who grew up playing in the MYSA zonal system, I know the impact that this will have on the young players as we were also inspired to become professional footballers through watching our role models play in the community grounds,” Ochieng’ said.

The centerpiece of the day was a thrilling friendly match pitting the visiting Mathare United FC against the hometown heroes, Githurai All Stars. 

The encounter was evenly contested, a testament to the skill and determination present in the Githurai side. 

The 3,000-strong crowd was treated to a display of robust challenges and creative play, but it took until the 78th minute for the deadlock to be broken, when Steve Kimari scored the winner in favour of the visitors.

While the fans enjoyed the competitive spirit, Mathare United's head coach, John Kamau, was watching with a technical eye. 

The experienced gaffer  admitted that the talent on display from the Githurai All Stars was impressive and that the event served a crucial dual purpose: community engagement and talent identification.

“I will look at things from a technical point of view and say it has been long since we connected with the community in such a manner. Mathare United is all about giving the youth a sporting chance and majority of our current players are from the MYSA Zones. Therefore, such initiatives help in identifying the next generation of talents. Today I can confirm that through the efforts of our sponsor 1xBet, we have scouted several players whom I believe, with nurturing, have what it takes to play in the Premier League,” Kamau said.

For Mathare United CEO Jecton Obure, the event was a powerful homecoming. He promised that this successful launch was only the beginning and that the project would be expanded to other areas within the city, aiming to replicate this success across all 18 MYSA Zones.

“I am thrilled to have launched this initiative in my Zone, where I grew up and played football. This ground moulded me into who I am today and I am happy to see such a huge crowd in attendance. I am glad to be back here for such a worthy course thanks to 1xBet who are keen on helping us reconnect with the community. This is the first of many such drives and I hope we can replicate this in all the 18 MYSA Zones moving forward,” Obure said.

The significance of the day was not lost on the hosts. Githurai All Stars captain Teddy Ouko expressed profound gratitude for the gesture, highlighting how rare it is for a Premier League club to engage so directly with grassroots teams.

“I want to say a big thank you to Mathare United because it is not common for a Premier League club to makes time to come and play and share words of encouragement with clubs in the grassroots. Most of the time it is us who seek them but to have such a club drop down to our level means a lot. We are humbled by this gesture Mathare United and extremely grateful to their sponsors 1xBet for making it possible,” Ouko said.

At the end of the friendly match, Githurai All Stars received a full donation of essential football equipment, including: footballs, training bibs, goal nets, space markers, cones, agility ladders and whistles courtesy of 1xBet.