\The just concluded 2022/23 season will be one of the seasons that veteran coach Robert Matano will always try to forget. His side Tusker FC who were the defending champions having won the FKF premier league the previous season were on the edge of adding another title to their name in the dying minutes of the season. They were also on their way to a Mozzart bet cup victory.
All was going on well for Matano's side especially when Gor Mahia lost to their arch rivals Afc Leopards in the Mashemeji derby with four games to go, and Tusker leading the table with Gor's next match being against Tusker. Hopes were high that Tusker was going to win the match and solidify their chances of defending their trophy.
Tusker went on to play a barren draw with K'ogalo, a loss against Wazito and a draw against Posta Rangers. This now shifted the favor of the KPL trophy to Gor Mahia's side with Matano's side praying that K'ogalo lose their last match for them to win the title at Mumias complex against Vihiga Bullets Fc.
A 4-0 victory over Vihiga Bullets wasn't enough to give them the title as K'ogalo came from behind to beat Nairobi City stars 4-1 in a full packed Kasarani. What seemed as a fairy tale for Matano turned sour as his side lost 1-0 to Kakamega Homeboyz in the Mozzart bet Cup final a week later.
Five weeks before the end of season, Matano was sure that he would be going home with at least one title to his name or even two if luck was on his side. Unfortunately, he ended up losing both titles and also costing his team a CAF Champions league qualification slot.
Tusker FC are among the cool kids of the premier league as the team fully sponsored by the Tusker brewers' company, as many teams suffered to the lack of finance to pay the players wages and staff which could be an excuse to most coaches as lack of motivation for players, Tusker were well catered for.
With the contract of Matano coming to an end, most fans are watching what his next step could be. Will he renew his contract or will he decide to take the loss and call it quits with the brewers?. Speculations are also high that Kenyan premier league side KCB are really considering to tie him down to a contract.