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Tusker coach Robert Matano has made a big claim about Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga while explaining to improve goalkeeper Patrick Matasi’s game.
Tusker coach Robert Matano has showered praise on Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga and goalkeeper Patrick Matasi after their starring role in Kenya’s 4-0 victory over Malawi.
Olunga scored two quick goals while Matasi saved a second-half penalty as Engin Firat’s men ran riot in front of a partisan crowd in Lilongwe on Saturday, Kenya starting the Four Nations tournament with a bang.
The duo’s performance was the highlight of the evening with Ayub Timbe and John Avire’s rocket adding gloss to the score line and Matano is happy that his students Olunga and Matasi have now come of age and shining on the international stage.
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22:07 - 23.03.2024
FOOTBALL Player Ratings: Olunga, Timbe and Matasi shine as Harambee Stars dominate Malawi
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga and players like Ayub Timbe and Patrick Matasi were among the star performers in their 4-0 win over Malawi.
“He [Matasi] is very good on penalties. I am the one who brought him to football. He and Olunga are my products, I brought them through from school. They are players I know very well,” Matano said on KCB TV while analysing the game.
The Tusker FC tactician then echoed Firat’s sentiments that Olunga has no equals in the country, saying those who criticise his performances do it from a point of ignorance.
“I hear people criticise Olunga, just give him time. I brought him through from Upper Hill High School when I was at Tusker and he was the top scorer in a junior tournament in Zanzibar,” added Matano.
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20:21 - 23.03.2024
FOOTBALL Olunga at the double as Harambee Stars dim Malawi Flames to set up Four Nations final with Zimbabwe
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga scored twice as Kenya silenced Malawi with a 4-0 victory in Lilongwe to set up a clash with Zimbabwe in the Four Nations tournament final.
“Even right now, no player comes close to Olunga in Kenya. He is just a player that needs service and today [Saturday] he got that and scored.”
Matano then explained how Kenya can get the best out of Matasi who has also faced criticism for some erratic performances and antics in the recent past.
“Matasi on his day and when he has a good defence, you will see him well. When he is calm, he brings out his A game,” added Matano.
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16:30 - 23.03.2024
FOOTBALL Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat issues solution to develop African football
Engin Firat criticized African football federations for frequent coach sackings, advocating for long-term development and stability to nurture talent.
“They were connecting very well all of them, [Johnstone] Omurwa a bit shaky due to overconfidence and missed some passes which was normal but their organisation as a team was good and that is how to win because everyone is doing their job.”
Both Matasi and Olunga have previously played for Tusker, the goalkeeper having two stints in 2018 and then from 2021-2023, while the striker honed his skills as a teenager with the Brewers in 2013 while on loan from Liberty Sports Academy.
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