Nairobi News

Tusker coach Robert Matano has warned that ‘support’ from AFC Leopards coach Patrick Aussems will not help Gor Mahia win this season’s Kenyan Premier League title at his team’s expense.

The brewers play Ulinzi Stars in the semi-finals of the Mozzart Bet Cup at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday from 1pm.

The other semi-final will pit AFC Leopards against Kakamega Homeboyz at 3.15 pm.

In an interview with Nairobi News, Matano told Aussems not to hide behind Gor Mahia and talk about the success he has achieved with his team this season.

He also lashed at Gor Mahia stewards who frustrated him and blocked him from entering the Nyayo National Stadium during Mashemeji Derby last Sunday.

Also read: Leopards coach now rooting for Gor Mahia after Mashemeji Derby victory

Aussems, a Belgium tactician, on May 17, 2023, said he would prefer Gor Mahia and not Tusker to win this season’s league title.

“He shouldn’t hide behind Gor Mahia. He coaches AFC Leopards and should be talking about winning the league with his team, not a club he doesn’t coach,” said Matano, one of the most experienced coaches in the country.

Matano and Aussems don’t see eye to eye after a string of clashes both at the dugout and on social media this season.

Matano who also doesn’t get along well with Gor Mahia Coach Johnathan McKinstry also claims Gor Mahia stewards blocked him from accessing the stadium during the Mashemeji Derby on Sunday for unclear reasons.

AFC Leopards beat Gor Mahia 2-1 in the appetizing league clash that was attended by an estimated 20,000 fans including President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga.

Also read: Kenyans to pay more to watch English Premier League matches in ‘Vibanda’

“I was made to wait at the gate for many minutes by the Gor Mahia steward on false claims which I didn’t understand and had no basis. I only managed to access the stadium through the VIP section because even the body guards of the dignitaries knew me and had no problem allowing me in,” said Matano.

“Who doesn’t know Matano in this country? Why would stewards decide to block me from accessing the stadium yet I have done a lot for football in this country? “posed the experienced gaffer.

Gor and Tusker are embroiled in a fierce fight for the league title as they are just separated by a point at the top. Tusker leads the standings on 64 points while Gor are one point behind them with only four matches to the end of the season.

Also read: Gor Mahia fans read coach Jonathan McKinstry riot act after Leopards defeat