Returning Matano optimistic of saving Tusker's season
New Tusker coach Robert Matano displays his jersey after he was unveiled as the club's coach, replacing Ugandan Sam Timbe on April 24, 2018 at Ruaraka. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |
What you need to know:
- His immediate task will now be to turn around the brewers' fortunes that have seen them record only two wins from 11 matches, and to help them climb from their embarrassing 15th position on the KPL table.
- In Okere, Matano has an assistant, who is also fairly experienced in team management, having previously handled former national secondary school football champions Ofafa Jericho High School and National Super League (NSL) side Kenya Commercial Bank.
Newly appointed Tusker coach Robert Matano is confident of turning around the club's fortunes this season.
Speaking during his unveiling on Tuesday at the club’s Ruaraka base in Nairobi, the former AFC Leopards coach, who is returning to Tusker for a second stint, admitted that expectations are high at the club, but is confident that with proper planning and support from the management, he can save the club's unravelling season.
Matano takes over from Ugandan Sam Timbe, who was sacked on Sunday afternoon, following a 3-1 loss to Zoo Kericho in a league match staged in Kericho the previous day.
He will be assisted by youthful Charles Okere.
Matano has two league titles to his name with Sofapaka and Tusker in 2009 and 2012 seasons respectively.
“Last year I won the domestic cup with AFC (Leopards), and with Tusker I also won Super Cup three years ago. I have recorded different achievements with different teams and remember also that I have won the KPL title twice.
“Poor performance can be blamed on both the coach and players, but also on the management depending on the situation. This is because coaches don’t play. And players don’t make any plans for the match.
“Expectations are high because our peers are focusing on wining trophies so we shall work well with those who are ready to perform, even though most of the players here are young and inexperienced,” he said.
Matano and Okere will work with Haggai Azande, who retained his role as goalkeeping coach, while Wycliffe Makanga remains the team doctor. Enos Karani also kept his place as the team’s physiotherapist to complete the new technical bench.
The 54-year old, who is also known as 'the Lion', has in the past years built a reputation as a fierce coach with the ability to rescue teams struggling with poor performance.
Last year, he helped Ingwe survive relegation and also guided them to win the GOtv Shield at a time when the team was struggling with a string of poor results.
He was, however, relieved of his duties at the club two months ago, and has sued Ingwe for wrongful dismissal.
His immediate task will now be to turn around the brewers' fortunes that have seen them record only two wins from 11 matches, and to help them climb from their embarrassing 15th position on the KPL table.
