Matano legal fight rekindled by Patrick Aussems return
Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 14.06.26. | 10:13
The matter later stalled after Aussems resigned as Leoparrds coach and left the country without filing a defence, leaving the case unresolved.0
KCB FC head coach Robert Matano has welcomed the return of Belgian tactician Patrick Aussems to the FKF Premier League following his appointment at Nairobi United FC, but confirmed that he will continue pursuing the defamation case against him to its conclusion.
The dispute between the pair is understood to have begun weeks before Aussems’ controversial social media outburst. Following a 1-0 defeat to Mathare United at Nyayo Stadium, Matano reportedly entered the AFC Leopards dressing room to address the players in his capacity as a club legend and member.
The move did not sit well with Aussems, who felt undermined by the incident. It also reportedly put him at loggerheads with then team manager Albert Wesonga, who accused the coach of allowing Matano into the dressing room in a manner that compromised his authority.
Tensions later escalated after AFC Leopards’ 1-0 defeat to Tusker FC in April 2023, then coached by Matano. In a post-match social media statement, Aussems made remarks that triggered legal action.
He wrote: “Unfortunately we have been punished at the last minute due to lack of aggressiveness! Congrats to the players of Tusker FC. Of course I won’t talk about an old coach with no international experience who is more a juju man than a tactician… one could learn!”
Matano subsequently moved to court through his lawyers, Wambilianga, Majani & Associates, demanding an unconditional apology and its publication, arguing that the comments damaged his reputation despite his extensive coaching record in Kenyan and regional football.
The matter later stalled after Aussems resigned as Leoparrds coach and left the country without filing a defence, leaving the case unresolved.
Now that he is back in Kenya, Matano insists the issue remains active and believes the legal process will now be easier to conclude.
“I have welcomed his return to the FKF Premier League, but the matter is still active. He did not file any defence, and now that he is in the country I believe it will be easier to pursue the case, and I will follow it to its conclusion,” Matano said.
