Who is Patrick Matasi?
Patrick Matasi is a Kenyan professional footballer widely recognized as one of the country’s most experienced and talented goalkeepers. Born on December 11, 1987, in Malava, Kakamega County, his full name is Patrick Musotsi Matasi. Matasi has built a notable career both at the club and international levels. As of March 28, 2025, he plays for Kakamega Homeboyz in the Kenyan Premier League and has been a key figure for the Kenyan national team, Harambee Stars, earning over 30 caps. However, his reputation has recently come under scrutiny due to allegations of match-fixing, casting a shadow over his otherwise distinguished career.
Matasi’s journey in football began in Kenya’s domestic leagues, where he played for prominent clubs such as AFC Leopards, Tusker FC, and Kenya Police FC. His skill between the posts also took him abroad to Ethiopia, where he featured for St. George’s FC (also known as Coffee Sports Club). Known for his agility, shot-stopping ability, and composure under pressure, Matasi earned the Kenyan Premier League Goalkeeper of the Year award in 2018. One of his career highlights came in 2017 when he played a pivotal role in Harambee Stars’ triumph at the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup, saving three penalties in a 5-4 shootout victory over Zanzibar to secure Kenya’s 13th regional title.
On the international stage, Matasi has been a regular presence for Harambee Stars, notably serving as the first-choice goalkeeper during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). However, his performances have not been without criticism. High-profile errors, such as those during a 3-0 loss to Senegal in the 2019 AFCON and a 4-1 defeat to Cameroon in a 2025 AFCON qualifier in October 2024, have drawn attention from fans and analysts. These mistakes, while not uncommon for goalkeepers, have taken on new significance in light of recent allegations.
Why Is Patrick Matasi Facing Allegations?
In late March 2025, Matasi became embroiled in a match-fixing scandal following the emergence of an undated video that allegedly shows him discussing a plan to manipulate the outcome of a match. The secretly recorded footage, which surfaced online, appears to depict Matasi negotiating with an unidentified individual, believed to be a match-fixing agent, about conceding goals in exchange for payment. While the authenticity of the video remains unverified, it has sparked widespread outrage among Kenyan football fans and prompted swift action from the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Suspends Patrick Matasi
On March 27, 2025, the FKF announced an official investigation into the allegations, emphasizing its zero-tolerance policy on match manipulation. The federation stated it would collaborate with FIFA, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and other authorities to ensure a thorough and transparent probe. By the following day, March 28, the FKF had provisionally suspended Matasi from all football-related activities for 90 days, a decision formally communicated to both the player and Kakamega Homeboyz. The suspension reflects the seriousness of the allegations and the federation’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the sport.
What Has Patrick Matasi’s Club Chairperson Said?
Patrick Matasi’s club chairman, Cleophas Shimanyula, has publicly defended the goalkeeper, asserting that he is “innocent until proven guilty.” Shimanyula argued that the video could be misinterpreted and emphasized Matasi’s value to the team, stating that he would continue playing unless concrete evidence of wrongdoing emerges. This stance contrasts with the public sentiment, where many fans have expressed disappointment and called for harsh penalties if the allegations are substantiated.
The match-fixing claims have reignited discussions about the prevalence of such practices in Kenyan football. In recent years, the sport has faced similar controversies, with FIFA banning four Kenyan players in 2020—one for life—over an international match-fixing conspiracy, and the FKF suspending 14 players and two coaches in 2023 following reports of cheating in the national league. For Patrick Musotsi Matasi, the potential consequences are severe. If found guilty, he could face a lengthy ban, substantial fines, and even criminal prosecution, according to FIFPro, the global players’ union.
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As of now, Matasi has not publicly commented on the allegations, and attempts to reach him for statements have been unsuccessful. The investigation’s outcome remains uncertain, with questions lingering about the video’s context, including when and where it was recorded and who the other parties involved might be. For a player who has been a stalwart of Kenyan football, the scandal threatens to overshadow his legacy, leaving fans and observers awaiting the findings that will determine his fate.
