Former Harambee Stars goalkeeper Patrick Matasi has broken his silence following the match-fixing allegations that brought his football career to a standstill, revealing that the experience left him struggling as everything around him went quiet.
Speaking for the first time since the controversy, Matasi clarified that his punishment was a suspension rather than a permanent ban.
“I was only suspended for three months, not banned,” he said, reflecting on the period that saw him disappear from the football spotlight.
The goalkeeper also made a striking remark about the ordeal, saying:
“Ile sumu nilikua nikunywe bado iko kwa nyumba hadi sahi.”
Advertisement
Advertisement
His comments have drawn attention from football fans, many of whom have been waiting to hear directly from him since the allegations emerged.
Matasi added that everything went quiet for him during the period, highlighting the uncertainty and isolation he experienced after the controversy.
Patrick Matasi // Instagram
How Match-Fixing Allegations Emerged
Matasi's troubles began in March 2025, when videos circulated online appearing to show him discussing the possible manipulation of a football match.
The footage raised concerns about whether the goalkeeper had agreed to influence the outcome of a game. However, the BBC reported that it could not independently verify the video.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) subsequently launched an investigation in collaboration with FIFA, CAF and other relevant authorities. On March 27, 2025, the federation provisionally suspended Matasi from football activities for 90 days as investigations proceeded.
At the time, Kakamega Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula said Matasi had denied involvement in match-fixing and maintained that the player should be considered innocent unless wrongdoing was established.
The allegations sparked heated debate among Kenyan football supporters, with some questioning the integrity of the game while others urged caution before reaching conclusions.
Patrick Matasi // Instagram
Fans React to His Remarks
Matasi's latest comments have also attracted mixed reactions online.
Some fans encouraged him to embrace life beyond football, with Yasidi Dan writing, “There is life after football; go live that life.”
Others questioned whether the controversy involved more people than had become publicly known.
One commenter suggested that match-fixing could involve a wider network, while another expressed disappointment, saying supporters were emotionally invested in the national team.
Another fan urged people to visit Matasi's own page to establish whether the remarks were genuine.
Matasi's comments have reopened conversations about the allegations, the suspension, and the impact the controversy had on his relationship with Kenyan football supporters.
