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Sofapaka coach Robert Matano is in talks with a Tanzanian club, potentially ending his second spell at the team.
Sofapaka FC are set to part company with their head coach Robert Matano in what has come as a surprising turn of events.
The veteran coach, renowned for his wealth of experience and success in Kenyan football, is currently in Tanzania negotiating to take over as head coach at Tanzanian Premier League side Coastal Union leaving Batoto ba Mungu on the verge of a crucial coaching transition.
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12:13 - 22.07.2024
‘They can also break the eggs and win’ – Matano fires back at his critics over ‘juju’ use claims
Ex-Tusker coach Robert Matano has dismissed his detractors who claim he uses black magic to win matches.
The 60-year-old tactician, who guided Sofapaka to their first-ever Premier League title in 2009, did not return to training following his side’s 1-0 loss to Bandari FC last weekend.
Instead, Matano has been in Tanzania for talks with Wagosi wa Kaya and Sofapaka President Elly Kalekwa has confirmed that Matano's negotiations are ongoing with the club giving him the green light to pursue the opportunity.
"Coastal Union approached Robert (Matano) and they invited him for negotiations, they have been looking for him for a long time and you know I am one person, who doesn’t stand in the way of anyone, who wants to make a move in his career," Kalekwa told Flashscore.
Kalekwa emphasized that no agreement has been reached yet and Matano remains Sofapaka’s head coach until he signs with the Tanzanian club.
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18:55 - 04.10.2024
'They carry all blame' – Why Pamzo feels officials are at fault for postponing Shabana vs Posta Rangers clash
Shabana coach Sammy Omollo Pamzo has teared into the match officials decision to go AWOL which led to their home clash against Posta Rangers to be called off in embarrasing manner.
The Congolese national made it clear that he respects Matano's decision to explore the opportunity and is ready to release him if a deal is finalized.
“So I am waiting for Matano to get back and tell me what the agreement is, I don’t have any problem to release him. If Coastal Union gives him a contract, then I will release him, I don’t have any issues at all. But what I know for now is that they are still negotiating, and nothing has been agreed yet," Kalekwa said.
Matano, who joined Sofapaka at the start of the current 2024/25 campaign, has not had the best of starts with the club.
In their opening four matches of the season, Sofapaka suffered three defeats and managed just one draw, leaving them at the bottom of the FKF Premier League table with a single point.
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17:25 - 03.10.2024
AFC Leopards begin tour of Tanzania for benchmarking at Yanga & Simba
FKF Premier League club AFC Leopards have visited Tanzanian football giants Yanga with Simba next as they seek to learn how to effectively trsntion into a coroprate model of governance.
His first game of the season ended in a narrow 1-0 defeat to his former club, Tusker FC, followed by another loss to FC Talanta.
The team finally earned a point in a 1-1 draw against newly-promoted Mathare United but failed to capitalize on that momentum, suffering yet another defeat in their next outing against Bandari.
Despite the shaky start, Matano’s reputation as one of Kenya’s most successful coaches remains intact.
With five Premier League titles under his belt and multiple Coach of the Year awards, including honors in both 2009 and 2021, Matano remains a highly sought-after figure in East African football.
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11:51 - 01.08.2024
Fire-spitting Matano finally reveals reasons for departing Tusker after six-year spell
Tusker ended Robert Matano's six-year spell as head coach in July leaving behind a legacy of multiple titles and club success.
His success with Tusker FC, where he spent six years and won the league title, further solidifies his status.
Matano’s departure would mark the end of his second spell at Sofapaka, having previously led the club to their historic Premier League triumph in 2009.
His return at the beginning of this season came after his contract with Tusker was not renewed but his tenure at Sofapaka looks set to be cut short if he secures a deal with the Tanzanian club.
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