Kakamega Homeboyz, competing in the FKF Premier League, have reinstated their controversial goalkeeper, Patrick Matasi, just one day after the Kenyan High Court issued a ruling preventing the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) from banning him over match-fixing allegations.
The 37-year-old shot-stopper was temporarily suspended from all FKF-sanctioned events for a period of 90 days starting on March 27th, in light of videos that surfaced, raising suspicions of potential match manipulation.
However, Matasi, formerly of Kenya Police FC, successfully secured a court order nullifying FKF’s suspension and permitting him to return to playing football. The ruling was handed down by the Kakamega High Court on March 8th.
In the ruling issued by Judge S.N Mbungi of the Kakamega High Court in Western Province, Matasi was named as the Petitioner, while FKF was the Respondent. The ruling paused the ban on Matasi, granted FKF 30 days to respond to the petition, and scheduled a hearing for June 4th.
“I hereby issue a conservatory order preventing the Respondent, whether by themselves or anyone acting on their express orders, from enforcing the communication dated 27.3.25 that suspended the applicant Matasi from all FKF-sanctioned events and competitions pending the hearing and determination of the petition.”
Homeboyz thrilled to welcome Matasi back
On April 9th, Homeboyz chairman and owner Cleophas Shimanyula expressed relief upon receiving the court order, confirming their decision to reintegrate Matasi into the squad for their upcoming fixtures.
“Matasi took it upon himself to fight against FKF’s decision to suspend him; Homeboyz was not involved in this matter, and now that he is free to play, we cannot contravene the court order. It will be up to the coach to assess if he is ready to participate immediately,” said Shimanyula.
Shimanyula further added: “Following FKF’s suspension of Matasi, we halted his salary payments. However, now that the court order reinstates him, we have resumed his salary, and he will receive monthly payments just like the rest of the team.”
Kakamega Homeboyz will be back in action when they face Shabana FC, another Premier League side, in a Round of 16 domestic Cup fixture at Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu on Saturday, April 12th.
Reflecting on the entire match-fixing controversy involving Matasi, who previously played for Tusker FC in the Kenyan Premier League, Shimanyula voiced concerns regarding FKF’s decisions, stating it seemed intent on jeopardising the player’s career without sufficient investigative groundwork.
“I suspected from the outset after viewing the viral match-fixing video that FKF lacked certainty in their actions. They evidently did not have adequate evidence, a fact that the court substantiated by overturning their sanctions and requiring those with proof of Matasi’s alleged wrongdoings to present it in court,” Shimanyula commented.
“FKF appeared determined to penalise Matasi without justification. While I am not suggesting the player is guiltless, the basis of their decision to suspend him remains unclear. The video circulating does not feature Matasi being interviewed, and he asserts he has no knowledge of it,” he continued.
Following Matasi’s initial suspension, FKF confirmed they had sought assistance from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate these allegations.
“Was it really necessary for DCI to get involved without FKF having first secured sufficient evidence? What exactly would the DCI investigate? It feels to me that the new FKF CEO Harold (Ndege) is not well-informed; he haphazardly sent out letters instead of adhering to the proper football protocols. I can’t help but think he might become the worst CEO in FKF’s history,” Shimanyula concluded.
Matasi finds himself embroiled in the serious issue of alleged match-fixing following the release of a secretly recorded video that purportedly depicted him negotiating terms to alter the outcome of a match.
The footage, captured covertly from the back of a seat by another individual—though the precise date of the recording remains unspecified—showed Matasi engaged in discussions regarding match manipulation.
He made his debut for the Kenya national team in 2017 and had accumulated 35 caps before he was dropped by the former Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat after Kenya suffered a 4-1 defeat to Cameroon in the qualifying rounds for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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