2017 Kenyan Premier League (KPL) Golden Gloves winner Patrick Matasi is eyeing an improved season with Posta Rangers. The former AFC Leopards custodian had a very successful year and is hoping to carry on with the fine form in 2018.
Matasi says the success has been a result of hard work and extra training especially after he left AFC Leopards.
“I had a very good 2017 season and I thank God for that. Every player wishes to have a successful season and I am happy I did well. However, I must emphasize that it was down to hard work and more self-drive. I was really determined to do well in 2017 for both club and the National team and I am really happy my resilience paid off in the end,” Matasi tells KPL
“I changed my lifestyle in 2016 and really focused on improving myself as a goalkeeper by doing extra training in the gym and having enough rest. I upped the tempo in 2017 and it paid off. The climax of it all was performing well with the National team during the CECAFA tournament and I am very optimistic this coming season I will even do better,” he added.
Offers
Matasi confirms he was set to attend trials at Macedonian top-tier side FK Pelister Bitola but visa issues affected his travel plans. Zambian side Buildicon, home to two other Kenyan internationals Mark Makwatta and Clifton Miheso, have also expressed interest in his services but according to him, nothing concrete has been agreed just yet.
“My agent had worked out on trials at Pelister Bitola but my visa delayed and the club cancelled the invite. I could go there during the midseason break. He is also working out something with Buildicon in Zambia but nothing has been agreed as yet. I am still a Posta Rangers player and I will give my best to the club as long as I am still there,” he added.
West Kenya
Matasi also plays glowing tribute to his former coach at West Kenya Sugar FC Fernel Ivungwe whom he says he owes his goalkeeping career to.
“Just a few years ago I was working in sugar cane farms in Western Kenya but I will never forget the day Fernel requested me to attend trials at West Sugar Kenya FC. He was the coach and believed in me. Life has never been the same for me from then and I owe him a lot, without him I would have never been where I am today,” he says,
“My family also pushes me to work hard, especially my wife and young son. My mother as well motivates me a lot. She wasn’t happy when I left AFC Leopards SC but she is really glad now that it worked out well for me,” he adds.
Harambee Stars
Matasi also reserves praises to Harambee Stars Head Coach Paul Put whom he says is a good tactician that has potential to transform the National team to be among the best teams in the continent.
“I have learnt a lot from the coach and I urge the authorities to be patient with him. Our vision is to qualify for AFCON and I’m sure if he is given time to do his job without much interactions we will achieve the goal,” he concluded.
