5O trees planted at the iconic Mathare Depot grounds as MUFC launches Green Initiative
Monday marked the start of Mathare United’s Green Initiative programme, which will see all members of the team participate in community-driven activities across the 18 MYSA Zones throughout this season.
The first drive was conducted at the legendary Mathare Depot grounds, which is home to many of the current crop of players at United, as well as a host of legends from years past.
Led by Club CEO Jecton Obure, the team planted trees around the Depot ground, intending to provide a green environment for the area and make it more conducive for the role it plays in giving youth a sporting chance.
“When our late founder Bob Munro started the MYSA organisation, he envisioned an institution that would care for the environment and make the world a better place. This became one of the pillars of Mathare United when the club was formed. It is mandatory, a contractual obligation for the players to take part in community-driven exercises,” shared Obure, a Githurai Zone representative who has been with the club as CEO for 17 years.
“30% of their (players) salaries come from such activities, and I am happy they all take it positively and want to give back to their communities even when the team hasn’t organised anything.”
The Green Initiative is sponsored by 1XBET, the club’s shirt sponsors, who are keen on making an impact in the community themselves.
“Our partnership with Mathare United FC is an investment in the future. We want to help talented youth realise their dreams through football,” a 1xBet representative stated. “We believe that responsibility means action and action starts with simple things — like planting these trees together today.”
Also present today was Head Coach John Kamau, who had a poignant reflection on how such activities also help his players to form a formidable bond that will translate on the pitch.
He said, “We did not have an opportunity to have a training camp like most of the teams during preseason. Camps play a big role in bringing the team together. On the bright side, we have initiatives like today’s, which play a big part in strengthening the cohesion of the team.”