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The self-declared ‘Lion of Kenyan football’ has opened up about his near-move to Kenya Police FC and ongoing ambitions.
Sofapaka head coach Robert Matano has disclosed how a last-minute intervention by his club thwarted his planned move to Kenya Police FC.
The seasoned tactician, fondly known as "The Lion," revealed that negotiations with the law enforcers had reached an advanced stage before Sofapaka's management convinced him to stay.
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Matano admitted that he had been on the verge of signing a contract with Police, a team that has been on a mission to bolster its technical bench.
However, a timely request from Sofapaka president Elly Kalekwa changed the course of events.
“Everything had been agreed. But at the last minute Sofapaka president Elly Kalekwa asked Police to let me stabilise the club, and that is how I did not move,” Matano said.as quoted by MozzartSport.
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The experienced coach further revealed that Kenya Police FC had put an enticing package on the table, which had initially swayed him to consider the switch.
“Sometimes it is all about going where you are comfortable and your needs are well taken care of,” he added.
Despite missing out on Matano, Kenya Police FC quickly moved to secure the services of Burundian tactician Etienne Ndayiragije as their new head coach.
The move signaled the club’s determination to remain competitive in the fiercely contested Kenyan Premier League.
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Meanwhile, Matano, known for his remarkable ability to transform underperforming teams, remains focused on his mission at Sofapaka.
Having previously enjoyed a successful stint at Tusker FC, where he won two league titles over six years, Matano is no stranger to high-stakes football management.
His extensive resume includes coaching AFC Leopards, Nairobi City Stars, and the now-defunct Kenya Pipeline.
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Despite his current commitment to Sofapaka, Matano hinted that he remains open to exploring other opportunities, particularly in Tanzania.
Earlier this year, he was linked with a move to Coastal Union, a top-tier Tanzanian club. However, negotiations fell through after he traveled to Tanzania to meet the club's officials.
“If they give me a good offer, I will definitely consider it, but obviously I have to talk to my club first for them to release me,” Matano said.
Kenya Police will hope that Ndayiragije can bring the tactical acumen and leadership necessary to steer the club toward its ambitious goals.
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