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Matasi reveals AFC Leopards’ invaluable role in his rookie start and Harambee Stars stint
19th September, 2026 04:00 PM
Former Harambee Stars goalkeeper Patrick Matasi has opened up about his early days in professional football, recalling how he nearly missed out on his breakthrough at AFC Leopards after making the move from West Kenya.
Speaking in an emotional interview released on Friday, September 18, 2026, with Wollap Central, Matasi reflected on joining Ingwe on January 4, 2011, admitting that he barely understood what a professional contract entailed at the time and had never held large sums of cash before.
With the guidance of Caleb Sunguti, he navigated the steep learning curve required to fit into the squad under demanding head coach Ken Matano.
From West Kenya to Leopards
Reflecting on his journey, Matasi stated:
“West Kenya gave me the footing to kick-start my football career, but AFC gave me the platform to grow into the footballer I am. I remember when I signed for AFC Leopards on January 4, 2011. During that time I didn’t know what a contract is and never held in my hand the money they were offering. Caleb Sunguti, who helped me secure the move and come to the City, was instrumental in wading me through and getting me to get to know the demands of the new environment,” Matasi stated.
Earning Leopards confidence
Recalling his start to life at AFC, the former Kenyan international added that he endured a tough start of staying for almost six months without an appearance in competitive action.
“The team was then under Robert Matano, who was very demanding, but I managed to come to the standards despite enduring tough first four months.”
Despite enduring a tough first four months and spending six months as a second-choice goalkeeper behind Barnabas Tiema, Matasi’s persistence paid off. Following an injury to Tiema and initial hesitation from coach Jan Koops—who initially viewed him as too young—Matasi seized his opportunity, recalling:
“I finally got my chance after Tiema got an injury. Coach Koops then deemed me as too young for a starter. It is true I was still young then and had the youthful vigor. I later saved Pascal Ochieng’s penalty, which I pushed to the post, and we earned a draw. Next was Sofapaka, which we won. The next assignment was outside the country: we played Simba SC, and just that way I earned Koops first choice as keeper,” he explained.
