B. OsanoBullish Matano locks target on next title after new schedule is published
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 11.11.22. | 16:42
Tusker's title for the previous season was annulled
Winning the disputed 2021-22 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League with Tusker FC made Robert Matano the most decorated Kenyan coach with four titles.
That record, however, went up in smoke on Wednesday when the FKF National Executive Committee (NEC) voided the season after a lengthy meeting that lasted the whole day.
The NEC made the call citing among other reasons the Sports Dispute Tribunal (SDT) ruling which said that the FKF Transition Committee did not run the season according to the rules and regulations of FKF. Matano is nonetheless not focusing on the bygones, instead, the Lion, as he's fondly known, is braced for the new season set to begin on November 19/20.
⚽️| We keep grinding, eyes on the prize!#KenyaMilele #Brewers4Life pic.twitter.com/T9DSEAJtqt
— 🏆Tusker FC (@tusker_fc) November 11, 2022
"The fixtures are already out, that's the future, and that's what is important, not the past," the former Sofapaka and AFC Leopards coach told Mozzart Sport.
In a separate interview with Mozzart Sport on Thursday, Tusker FC representative Charles Gacheru said that they will not contest the NEC decision, but allow for football to resume. What's important for us is to see football back as soon as possible, any further delays are not welcome. The title is inconsequential.
It's painful to lose that one title after a year of hard work, but it is not as important now as the need for football to resume in this country."
Ulinzi Stars players and staff have become the latest side to undergo FKF integrity sensitisation.
— Ole Teya (@Kevin_teya) November 9, 2022
The workshops are geared towards curbing the match-fixing vice in the country.
Bandari, Kariobangi Sharks, Ulinzi Stars Tusker FC and KCB have undergone the training.#FKFPL pic.twitter.com/RU6T1RWawk
In the new fixtures released on Friday by the FKF, the 12-time league champions will take to the field at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega for their first fixture of the much delayed 2022-23 season. Tusker will then host Nairobi City Stars at the Kasarani Stadium in their second outing, before facing his former side AFC Leopards at Nyayo Stadium.
Matano is not bothered with who is in charge of the game, saying all they want to see is the return of football
"The former office is back in charge and that is done, for us we want to play and compete," he said.
In other fixtures of the opening week, multiple champions Gor Mahia will face Nzoia Sugar at Nyayo, before playing Bidco United and Wazito FC in that order.
