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Patrick Matasi has accused Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat of sabotaging his career, accusing him of setting up to fail him during the just concluded 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
Often in the world of sports, the dreams and careers of athletes are shaped by moments of triumph and heartbreak.
For Kenya Police goalkeeper Patrick Matasi, the latter seems to overshadow his recent journey with the Harambee Stars.
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06:15 - 18.11.2024
Engin Firat: The grand promiser left searching for answers with Harambee Stars
Kenyan dreams were shattered as Engin Firat’s false promises left Harambee Stars broken, missing AFCON 2025 and hope itself.
In a candid and emotional revelation, the 36-year-old custodian shared the details of his fallout with national team head coach Engin Firat.
Matasi found himself sidelined during critical fixtures against Zimbabwe and Namibia in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Speaking on Thursday, Matasi did not hold back as he shared the words he uttered to Firat, exposing the tension and mistrust that had built up between them.
“I told him the truth: 'Coach, I know what you have done, you want to f*** up my career with this match,’” Matasi revealed, his voice heavy with frustration and sadness as per Flashscore.
“Why are you taking your weapons to the bench then starting with the small boys, who can’t even handle the pressure?”
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05:28 - 19.11.2024
Tactical naivety, litany of excuses & more: Why Engin Firat must be held accountable for Harambee Stars' failures
Engin Firat exuded confidence after Kenya topped their AFCON qualification group, sending a warning to Andre Onana and Cameroon, but once results went haywire, he became defensive.
The goalkeeper was referring to Kenya’s humiliating 4- loss to Cameroon in Douala during the Group J fixture.
Matasi accused Firat of fielding a weakened team a decision he believed was meant to undermine him.
“I deserved to play against Zimbabwe and against Namibia, but I don’t know what came through Firat’s head,” Matasi lamented.
“He told me I came to the camp relaxed. I asked him, ‘Coach, if you see me relaxed, call me out and tell me what to do. Don’t just keep quiet and bench me.’ But he didn’t do that.”
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17:34 - 28.11.2024
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Matasi’s frustration boiled over when he recalled Firat’s handling of the team.
Before the AFCON qualifiers, Matasi had been in stellar form, keeping clean sheets and conceding just two goals in eight matches.
Despite his strong performances, the coach sidelined him for crucial games, including the first leg of the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier against South Sudan, where Kenya lost 2-0.
The tension between the two reached a breaking point during the second leg of the Cameroon fixtures played at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Uganda.
Matasi was dropped in favor of Bryne Omondi, with Kenya suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat.
“He started all his weapons, all of them (who were benched in the first leg),” Matasi pointed out.
“It was clear what he was doing.”
The goalkeeper also recounted a moment of hope and devastation.
“Against Ivory Coast in Malawi, I produced a clean sheet,” Matasi said, his voice breaking with emotion.
“I thought I had proven myself, but it didn’t matter. Firat had already decided.”
Matasi now faces an uncertain future with the national team but remains resolute.
“I am still active, and I have no problem with his decision to omit me,” he said.
“The same thing happened to Ian Otieno, and he came back. For me, I’ll keep fighting.”
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