Tusker change mind, back Matano to arrest poor run

Tusker FC appear to have made a U-turn on their decision to fire coach Robert Matano after Sunday’s loss to Gor Mahia at the Moi Kasarani Stadium.

Ahead of the game, Tusker chairman Charles Gacheru had warned Matano to beat the league-defending champions or forget about having a job, and in a rebuttal, the tactician fired back at the club boss, advising him to sack him instead of issuing ultimatums.

On Sunday, Tusker fell to a Benson Omala first-half contentious goal, and in what appeared to have been a change of heart from Gacheru, as the club boss is now throwing his weight behind coach Matano.

"Coach Robert Matano has firm instructions to regroup, rebuild, and turn the team's fortunes around. Better results are not negotiable," club chairman Gacheru told Mozzart Sport.

"Well played, Gor Mahia. We look forward to the return leg," he added.

After the game, Gor Mahia coach Johnathan McKinstry openly backed Matano, saying he was being put under unnecessary pressure by the club hierarchy.

“We managed to pip them by a point last season, but you don’t turn into a bad team or a bad coach overnight, so he’s going through a rough patch, and I expect him to get through it. Coaches get put under a huge amount of pressure, and everyone, including Robert, comes into this league to work all day.”

“In the last three years, Tusker and Robert have picked up the most points, and I am sure they will come again. It is not like playing PlayStation. It is human beings on the pitch; some days it works, some days it doesn’t.”

It remains to be seen whether the seasoned tactician will remain at the club, especially after the public exchanges between him and the club boss. Next for Tusker is an away game against Sofapaka.

FKFPL Review: Gor Mahia on the overtaking lane after sipping cold Tusker