'I don't have much to say' - Francis Baraza turns Patrick Matasi's absence into opportunity for young goalkeepers

Francis Baraza turns Patrick Matasi's absence into opportunity for young goalkeepers Image source: Imago

'I don't have much to say' - Francis Baraza turns Patrick Matasi's absence into opportunity for young goalkeepers

Abigael Wafula 17:08 - 31.03.2025

Francis Baraza has avoided commenting on Patrick Matasi’s suspension and instead remains focused on developing young goalkeepers at Kakamega Homeboyz.

Kakamega Homeboyz coach Francis Baraza has explained that he is using Harambee Stars goalkeeper Patrick Matasi’s absence from the squad to nurture the youngsters who were looking forward to an opportunity to play.

Kakamega Homeboyz played their first match without goalkeeper Patrick Matasi on Sunday, against KCB where they drew 2-2.

Baraza explained that they feel Matasi’s absence and he is still one of them but circumstances are tough and they have to comply to what the Football Kenya Federation requires of them as a club.

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Francis Baraza did not want to speak much about Patrick Matasi’s case, seemingly insinuating that he does not know more than what is in the public domain.

He revealed that as they await the verdict, he will continue giving the young players a chance to showcase their prowess.

“I would say the goals we have scored were lazy goals and I want my players to pull up their socks and ensure we play well next season,” Francis Baraza said in a video shared by NTV.

“Concerning Patrick Matasi, I don’t have much to say because I have about 30 players who were looking forward to getting a chance to get on the pitch and now it has come.

“Matasi is our goalkeeper and as we know the federation has suspended him and that is not something I would love to speak about.”

Patrick Matasi alleged match-fixing

Patrick Matasi alleged match-fixing
Patrick Matasi alleged match-fixing

Patrick Matasi was provisionally suspended on Thursday evening from all football activities for 90 days amid an alleged match-fixing investigation by the Football Kenya Federation.

Matasi became the centre of attention after a video showed him in a discussion with unidentified individuals who are suspected to be match-fixing agents.

In the footage that surfaced online, Patrick Matasi allegedly appears to promise to influence the outcome of a match.

Patrick Matasi's most recent match for Kenya was at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Cameroon last October where Harambee Stars lost 4-1.

At the moment, FKF is working closely with world governing body Fifa, the Confederation of African Football, the DCI and EACC to get to the bottom of the matter.