Patrick Matasi the Match Fixing Mogul
Kenyan football has recently been rocked by serious allegations involving Patrick Matasi, a prominent goalkeeper known for his contributions to both club and country. A leaked video on X (formerly Twitter) purportedly showing Matasi engaged in discussions related to match-fixing has ignited widespread concern and debate within the football community.
Who is Patrick Matasi?
Patrick Matasi is a popular figure in Kenyan football, having played for clubs such as Posta Rangers, Tusker FC, AFC Leopards, and Ethiopia’s Saint George FC. He also served as the goalkeeper for the Kenyan national team, Harambee Stars, earning recognition for his performances on the field.
Notably, Matasi left Tusker FC in March 2023. Last month Matasi joined Kenya Premier League side Kakamega Homeboyz after departing the Kenya Police.
Patrick Matasi Profile
| Nationality | Kenyan |
| Age | 37 years |
| Date of Birth | 11 December 1987 |
| Height | 183 cm |
| Current Club | Kakamega Homeboyz |
| Player Value | € 155K |
Unpacking Patrick Matasi’s Match-Fixing Allegations
The controversy centers around a leaked video that surfaced recently on social media platforms. The video depicts Matasi in conversation with an unidentified individual believed to be a recruiter for match-fixing activities. In the footage, Matasi appears to listen and nod in agreement as the individual provides instructions on manipulating match outcomes.
Reactions from Fans, Clubs, and Authorities
The leaked video has elicited strong reactions across various platforms:
Fans: Many supporters have expressed their dismay and disappointment. For instance, a Facebook user lamented, “It’s heartbreaking for those who take the legitimate route to see our game and industry grow today, we have proof these pierces are so deep.” Another fan on X called Am Nick Ogolla said;
Players: Current and former Kenyan football players have weighed in this scandal. A notable figure is Michael Olunga who has been on a rant of exclamations wondering about the Patrick Matasi match fixing scandal.
Football Analysts: Commentators have highlighted instances where Matasi conceded goals under questionable circumstances, suggesting that these errors now appear more suspicious considering the video.
Coaches: Former Harambee Stars coaches have previously called for goalkeeping changes following errors by Matasi in matches, indicating concerns about his performance.
As of now, official statements from football governing bodies such as the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) are awaited. Their responses will be crucial in determining the course of action and potential disciplinary measures.
Previous Match Fixing Allegation in Kenya
Kenya has had a troubling history with match-fixing scandals, with several players and officials previously implicated in rigging games for betting syndicates. In January 2023, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) suspended 16 players and coaches over alleged match-fixing activities. This highlighted the deep-rooted problem within the country’s football ecosystem.
This followed an investigation that linked them to suspicious betting patterns and manipulated game outcomes. Similar cases have surfaced in previous years, with reports of foreign betting cartels infiltrating local leagues, influencing results, and bribing players and officials.
The recurring nature of these scandals underscores the urgent need for stricter monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to protect the integrity of Kenyan football.
Conclusion
The allegations against Patrick Matasi serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within the sports sector. Addressing these challenges requires collective effort from all stakeholders to ensure that the principles of fair play and honesty remain at the forefront of Kenyan football.
