Posta Rangers were in the hunt for the title in the first half of the season but experienced a bad run of form in the second leg, and Jackson Macharia has explained the reason for the collapse.
Posta Rangers and Harambee Stars midfielder Jackson Macharia has shed light on the factors behind the team's collapse in their pursuit of the FKF Premier League title this season.
The team, under the guidance of John Kamau, started the season strongly and had established a considerable lead over Gor Mahia by December.
However, the departure of key center back Kennedy Owino to AFC Leopards triggered a series of inconsistent performances. This led to Kamau's suspension and the appointment of Benard Kawinzi as interim head coach.
![From midfield to farmland: The journey of resilience for Posta Rangers and Harambee Stars player](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/26032024/a3588c12-3da1-42a0-8a18-3a3b2f056af3.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
11:00 - 26.03.2024
From midfield to farmland: The journey of resilience for Posta Rangers and Harambee Stars player
Posta Rangers midfielder Jackson Macharia has already laid the foundation for a successful life after football having decided to turn agriculture.
Since then, Posta Rangers have struggled to maintain consistency and are currently in ninth place with 47 points, with only one game remaining in the season.
Macharia has attributed this poor form to financial constraints, specifically delays in salary payments, which affected player motivation and performance.
“It is normal. There is a point in the season that comes where you find yourself slumping in performance,” Macharia told Pulse Sports.
He elaborated on the financial issues, stating, “There were a couple of factors, including finances, where you can find there was a delay in payment of finances, which took a toll on the players mentally."
“If payment is not made in time, you find it difficult to be motivated mentally considering we depend on this football, which is the major reason for the slump.”
Despite these challenges, Macharia noted that the team decided to set aside their financial issues and focus on finishing the season strongly, aiming for at least a top-six position.
“We, however, came together and decided to end the season well because it won’t look good that we ended the season badly yet were in a hunt for the title at the beginning of the season.”
With over a decade of experience in the FKF Premier League, Macharia has won two league titles and an FKF Cup trophy. He also has one cap for Harambee Stars, which he earned in a 0-0 draw against Uganda during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at Nyayo National Stadium.
As one of the most experienced players in the team, Macharia felt he had a responsibility to guide his younger teammates.
“I have engaged the young players in one-on-one conversations to understand their feelings and thoughts. These conversations have been helpful, as I have noticed improvements in their game, self-care, and consistency,” he said.
Macharia’s leadership and insight have been invaluable for Posta Rangers during this challenging period, and his efforts to mentor younger players reflect his commitment to the team's long-term success.