Harambee Stars

• One of Kenya’s most seasoned goalkeepers, Patrick Matasi, has had both incredible saves and dubious situations throughout his career.
• Although he has frequently been a hero for the Harambee Stars, there have also been times when his goal-giving has raised questions among supporters and commentators.
• Matasi is still an important player in Kenyan football in spite of these rocky moments.

After a video purportedly connecting former Harambee Stars goalkeeper Patrick Matasi to a potential betting ring went viral, social media in Kenya has erupted in indignation.

In the video, an unidentified person—possibly a recruiter—gives instructions on what to do next, and Matasi seems to be listening and nodding in agreement.

The Kakamega Homeboyz FC goalkeeper, who also played for Tusker FC, AFC Leopards, and Saint Georges FC in Ethiopia, was recently let go by Kenya Police FC under unclear circumstances.

Fans have expressed their disgust and condemned the leaked video on social media.

However, key details remain unclear, including when the video was recorded and the identity of the alleged recruiter.

One of Kenya’s most seasoned goalkeepers, Patrick Matasi, has had both incredible saves and dubious situations throughout his career.

Although he has frequently been a hero for the Harambee Stars, there have also been times when his goal-giving has raised questions among supporters and commentators.

Here are five instances where Matasi’s on-goal performance was viewed as dubious or unpersuasive:

Patrick Matasi in Kenya vs Senegal – 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)

Matasi gave up three goals during the 2019 AFCON group stage against Senegal on June 30, 2019, however Sadio Mané’s second goal generated the most discussion. Mané scored with what seemed to be little effort after Matasi seemed to misjudge the ball’s flight. Matasi’s posture and response were criticized for being abnormally slow for a keeper of his quality. Kenya lost 0-3 during the match.

Patrick Matasi in Kenya vs Cameroon – 2025 AFCON Qualifiers

Matasi’s performance in this AFCON qualifier at Yaoundé on October 11, 2024, drew harsh criticism. The Cameroonian forward scored easily after he was caught out of position for the fourth goal and mishandled the ball into his own net for the second. Following this game, the then Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat made a suggestion that the goalkeeping staff might undergo some changes. Harambee Stars lost 1-4 during the game.

Patrick Matasi in Kenya Police FC vs Gor Mahia – FKF Premier League (2023/24 Season)

A low shot from outside the box slid between Matasi’s fingertips, resulting in a soft goal while he was playing for Kenya Police FC. His poor performance ultimately resulted in his benching in favor of Job Ochieng after the error caused Kenya Police to lose 1-3 in the match played on February 4, 2024.

Patrick Matasi in Kenya vs Egypt – 2021 AFCON Qualifiers

In the first few minutes, Mohamed Salah’s feeble attempt from a close angle somehow slipped past Matasi, resulting in a soft goal. Egypt had an early edge thanks to his poor decision, but Kenya was able to rescue a 1-1 draw in the match played on March 25, 2021.

Matasi in Ethiopia vs Kenya – 2018 AFCON Qualifiers

Despite the fact that this game finished in a draw, Matasi suffered a panic attack after misjudging a back pass and almost giving Ethiopia the lead. He took a long time to recover, and Kenya was lucky that the Ethiopian striker missed the goal in the match played on October 10, 2018.

Matasi is still an important player in Kenyan football in spite of these rocky moments. He now has the opportunity to repair his reputation and regain his position as Kenya’s starting goalie thanks to his recent transfer to Kakamega Homeboyz. Matasi has the capacity to recover and silence his detractors with the right help and guidance.