Matasi shows Tusker the boot 

Kenyan International Patrick Matasi has reportedly refused to train with his club Tusker over reports of contractual disagreements with the management.

It is believed that the highly rated custodian is keen to force a move out of the Brewers to join huge spenders Police FC before the transfer window closes. The Brewers have, however, set conditions for his release.

A former Posta Rangers, AFC Leopards and Ethiopia’s St. Georges glove man; Matasi was a notable absentee at the training session when the People Daily team visited the team during its training in Ruaraka yesterday.

Instead, Matasi opted to go through work-outs on his own at the facility’s gymnasium even when it was apparent that he was still angry with the management for dragging its feet to release him to join Kenya Police FC.

 Matasi sensationally recovered from a serious road accident last year in mid-June and helped his team win a 13th title with the most clean sheets in the Premier League in a record that left Police drooling over his services.

The 34 year old who signed a two year deal with Tusker last season following expiry of his contract in Ethiopia, is being blamed in different quarters of being stubborn and uncompromising on his parting of ways with the brewers.

In what is expected to be a tough tussle in days to come, Tusker Head Coach Robert Matano has vowed to retain Matasi who he describes as treasured property. 

“He is our player but is not training with us which suggests a very big problem. We need to get a decision on him soon so that we are settled. I just see him coming to the ground yet he is not participating in training but I hope parties will speak with one voice and settle this issue pretty fast,” 

A visibly frustrated Matano added: ”He is one of our key players but sadly we cannot immediately have him in our plans given his current situation. Some things are beyond my control but what we want is to know whether he is really with us this season or not,” either if he is staying or he is leaving,” “We need an urgent conclusion to the matter because it is important to us. We expect a final word from Management on the issue” said Matano.

Matasi, who declined to speak to the Press, has 26 caps for the national team Harambee Stars and was  the first choice custodian for the national team in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Many will remember Matasi for sensationally saving a penalty from Liverpool’s winger, Sadio Mane, during the tournament in which Stars lost 2-0 to the Lions of Teranga.