It has been over a decade since Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF PL) side Sofapaka won Kenya’s top coveted title. In 2009, Batoto Ba Mungu claimed the title under the stewardship of Robert Matano, the most successful tactician in the FKF PL.
This remains Sofapaka’s only title. Matano moved on to coach Tusker FC, where he also lifted the title three times. Cumulatively, Matano, known as “The Lion” in the football community, has won five KPL titles.
Matano has been away from Sofapaka since 2012 when he moved to the Brewers. Now, he is back at Sofapaka on a short-term basis after his six-year contract with Tusker ended and the club refused to renew it.
On his first day with Batoto Ba Mungu, Matano stated his purpose is to return the team to its former glory. In his first interview with the club’s media, he made it clear that he is at the club to win more silverware.
“The players I had then (2009) were not as good as the ones I now have in the team, so I’m optimistic this team will win titles. I’m a winner; my target is also to replicate that performance here,” he said.
“I’m a qualified coach and joining Sofapaka is not a backward step in my profession. I coached the team from the second tier and led it to its first title in its first season in the FKF-PL in 2009. Sofapaka is not a small team. Even ‘Zico’ (Zedekiah Otieno), who is a respected coach, was here. Was he coaching a small team?”
Sofapaka has struggled with financial issues in recent years, leading to player departures and a poor run, culminating in their recent playoff against Naivas to secure their top-flight status. However, the coach is undeterred by these challenges.
“I don’t care whether Sofapaka is grappling with financial challenges or not. What is important is for me to practice my coaching and build the team. No coach goes to a team to joyride but to win titles.”
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