Tusker booked a tantalising Kenyan Premier League (KPL) Top Eight final with Thika United after holding defending champions Gor Mahia to a barren draw in the return match on Wednesday night.
Tusker coach Robert Matano lauds Gor Mahia keeper Ivo Mapunda. Photo: Stafford Ondego
Tusker had won the first leg 1-0 and so went through on goal aggregate in a fixture that was overshadowed by controversial post-match comments from both sides.
Tusker coach Robert Matano took out his frustrations on journalists amid reports that his reign on Tusker technical bench is standing on thin ice for the team’s poor performance and accused some reporters of writing what he termed as ‘nonsense’.
Asked how the match was, Matano said: “I am very unhappy with some of you, but I don’t care. You can write what you want.”
Then he digressed: “Today Gor played a very dirty game and the referee did not caution them. If they want to win, they should do it fairly. There is no need to hurt my players in trying to force a win.
“I am very happy that we defended our lead and have qualified for the final.”
But he hit the roof when a radio journalist mistakenly pointed out to him the fact that his side had gone four matches without a win.
“Why do you say we have not won in four matches?” We have actually won one, lost twice and drawn one. You are the people who are writing nonsense and I am very annoyed with you.
“Furthermore, there is nothing strange with Tusker losing twice. This is not the first time and nor will it be the last time.”
But the question that piqued him the most was the one in regards to his alleged frosty relationship with midfielder Peter Opiyo.
“Who is saying that I have a bad relationship with some players?” Aren’t these the same players whom I have used today?” Did we recruit new players overnight?”
“One player cannot spoil everything for the whole team. If he does not want to play for Tusker, Matano cannot force him to play. Who is Opiyo compared to Matano?” Don’t ask me nonsense.” With that he walked away.
Gor Mahia assistant coach Bob Ogolla accused some players of not wanting to play for the club.
“We were not impressed by the output by some of the players today. Some players like Ali Abondo proved once again that they don’t want to play for Gor Mahia and that is why he was the first to be substituted,” said Ogolla.
Ogolla warned that the team will lay off some players who are not committed insisting they have given everyone a fair chance to feature in the first leg.
Tusker will play Thika United in the final of the Top 8 tournament on June 2 at Nyayo Stadium. This is the first time that both clubs will feature in the final whose winners earn Sh1m prize money.
By GILBERT WANDERA, The Standard
