On Thursday morning, Kenyans woke up to a video circulating online showing veteran goalkeeper Patrick Matasi allegedly involved in a match-fixing deal.
The video appeared to be secretly recorded, and it allegedly showed the Harambee Stars keeper discussing ways to manipulate the match.
Kakamega Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula has backed the embattled goalkeeper after the video went viral.
Source: Getty Images
The video was shared online just past midnight, and videos of his 'questionable' performances have been posted online. TUKO.co.ke could not independently verify the video.
Shimanyula has insisted his goalkeeper remains innocent until proven guilty and will not be quick to make a decision based on the video.
Mozzart Sports asked him whether they would open investigations, and he gave a straight answer.
“No. We have no time for that if it did not happen here. When we acquired Matasi mid-season, there were already rumours everywhere about his conduct. But I am a believer in giving people second chances and our instruction to him was very clear. We wanted him to take his job here very seriously, and that is what he has done in the past month.”
Matasi joined the club last month from Kenya Police. Shimanyula doubled down saying he will defend his goalkeeper even if found guilty.
“Even if it is true and it's clear it happened a while ago, he has a chance of changing. In our league, and even at Harambee Stars, he remains the best. No one, including those who played for the national team days ago, gets to his level. He remains part of our team.”
Match-fixing has been a hot topic, especially in the Kenyan Premier League. In the last few years, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has had to hand out suspensions for match-fixing.
According to FIFPro, the organization responsible for representing professional footballers, Matasi risks a ban, fine, and potentially criminal prosecution.
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Matasi joined Kakamega Homeboyz in January from Kenya Police and signed a two-year deal.
The experienced goalkeeper has played for some of Kenya's biggest clubs, including Tusker FC and AFC Leopards.
He was Harambee Stars' first-choice goalkeeper during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. The 37-year-old last played for the national team last year against Cameroon, and it appears it was his last.
"The thing with this Matasi story is no football fan is shocked about the news 🙆🏿♂️"
"Do you want to tell me Matasi played for Police FC and Harambee Stars without anyone in those two institutions having a clue about his dealings? I can't take that. That guy was planted by people who led football in this country."
"We must make Matasi an example!!! Iwe funzo kwake na wengine kama yeye!!!"
"Re-watching Patrick Matasi's videos, and his reactions after those intentional mistakes show absolutely no remorse. Match-fixers have no place in our football. How can we build the future of our young football stars while others actively destroy it? All involved should be banned."
TUKO.co.ke earlier analysed Harambe Stars' chances of reaching the 2026 World Cup.
Kenya drew 3-3 with the Gambia last week and then lost to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's Gabon on Sunday at Nyayo Stadium.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
