Patrick Matasi threatens to quit football in contractual stand-off with Tusker FC
Kenyan goalkeeper keeper Patrick Matasi is now threatening to sit out of competitive football for a year in the wake of his contractual stand-off with Tusker FC.
And as if to make good his threat, Matasi, a Kenya international, has since relocated to his rural home in Kakamega, some 400 km from Nairobi.
The ex-AFC Leopards and Saint George (Ethiopia) goalie is currently at loggerheads with his employer over a move to Kenya Police FC having secured a permanent and pensionable job with the law enforcers.
But Police FC have failed to agree on a deal with Tusker for the player whose contract expires in August 2023.
In an interview with Nairobi News, Matasi remained adamant he would not return to training with the brewers.
He further asked his employer to quote the transfer fee required to finalize so he can work towards completing his dream move to Police.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) transfer window ends on August 31, 20212.
“I’m training with local teams here in Kakamega,” he said.
“My stance is clear even if that means being out of active football. This is the job opportunity I have got and never expected things to turn out this way,” said the 34-year-old.
Matasi says Kenya Police were not offering him any signing fee but were ready to give him Sh200,000 to buy out his contract with Tusker so that it can be deducted from his dues.
Tusker have turned down the offer.
“I have pleaded with Tusker to understand my situation because this is a job offer and my future. I have served the team diligently before and they have been there for me during hard times. Why not know when my future is at stake?’’ he posed.
IMG Kenya Director Charles Gacheru, who manages Tusker FC on behalf of the parent company told Nairobi News Matasi remains their player and Kenya Police have to follow the right procedure in acquiring his services.
“Police FC wrote to Tusker FC requesting for the release of Matasi. They did say that they had offered him a job “in the future”. Tusker FC did write back and indicated that ordinarily, they would not be selling Matasi,” said Gacheru.
“However, since they had offered him a job, then a release was agreed but under FIFA regulations and/or norms. Tusker FC have asked Police for an offer, none had been received to date. Matasi remains a contracted Tusker FC player,” he added.
Matasi rejoined Tusker in August last year for a two-year contract after being released by the Ethiopian club.
He has also been one of the established goalkeepers in the Harambee Stars squad and was one of the stand-out players at the 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON 2019).