Patrick Matasi: Why Kakamega Homeboyz Took a Chance on a Struggling Goalkeeper
In the world of football, the highs and lows are experienced by every player, and Patrick Matasi is no exception. Once regarded as one of Kenya’s most reliable goalkeepers, Matasi’s career has recently seen a series of challenges, making his move to Kakamega Homeboyz a bold but potentially rewarding decision for both the player and the club. Having faced struggles with game time at Kenya Police FC, Matasi is now hoping for a revival of his form as he embarks on a new chapter with Homeboyz.
Matasi, a veteran goalkeeper with extensive experience at both the club and national levels, has found himself in a tough spot over the past year. After his stint with Posta Rangers and Tusker FC, where he was lauded for his performances, Matasi moved to Kenya Police FC. However, his time at Police has been marked by a lack of playing opportunities. Under the guidance of Burundian coach Etienne Ndayiragije, Matasi struggled to secure a regular spot in goal, with the coach preferring Job Ochieng to lead the team’s defense.
Despite these setbacks, Kakamega Homeboyz have made a bold decision to sign Matasi to a two-year contract, believing that the goalkeeper still has a lot to offer. The move reflects Homeboyz’s commitment to giving players a second chance, even when their recent performances may not have been up to their usual standard. This decision stands as a testament to the club’s faith in redemption and their desire to bring out the best in players who may have fallen out of favor in their previous teams.
Homeboyz’s chairman, Cleophas Shimanyula, expressed confidence in Matasi’s abilities, acknowledging that the goalkeeper’s recent form had not been ideal but believing that his vast experience and past successes are valuable assets. Shimanyula remarked, “We know he has not been performing to his best level at his former club, but again, I always believe that he deserves another chance to play again.” This belief in Matasi’s potential is central to Homeboyz’s decision to take a chance on him, despite the struggles he has faced in recent months.
The decision to bring Matasi into the fold at Homeboyz is a clear indication of the club’s mentality toward players who are down but not out. Football is a game of ups and downs, and every player faces a rough patch at some point in their career. However, Homeboyz’s management believes that these periods of difficulty do not define a player’s future, and they have chosen to give Matasi the opportunity to prove himself once again. Shimanyula expressed faith in the goalkeeper, saying, “We know players have those periods when their form is not good enough, so it doesn’t mean you look down upon them. You give them another chance.”
Matasi himself is determined to make the most of this fresh opportunity. He has promised to work hard and rediscover the form that once made him a key player for his previous clubs and the national team. The goalkeeper has acknowledged that the past year has been challenging, but he remains optimistic about turning his fortunes around at Homeboyz. In his own words, Matasi is committed to performing at his highest level to help the team achieve its goals, including winning the FKF Premier League title and the domestic cup. With the support of Homeboyz, Matasi is hopeful that he can find his rhythm once more and become an integral part of the team.
For Homeboyz, the signing of Matasi is more than just a transaction; it is part of a broader strategy to build a strong team capable of competing for silverware. As the first signing of the current transfer window, Matasi represents the club’s commitment to bolstering their squad with experienced players. The club’s primary goal is to challenge for the FKF Premier League title and domestic cup, and they see Matasi as a vital part of their plans. Shimanyula revealed that Homeboyz is also looking to add four to five more players to the squad in specific positions, as requested by the technical bench, to strengthen their chances of success in the upcoming season.
