Matano has made his aspirations clear, a couple of days after being unveiled. He arrives at the side with a potent blend of experience and ambition.
His appointment is a seismic shift, a roar shattering the silence of KCB’s recent mediocrity. For years, this financially stable club has languished, a sleeping giant stifled by inconsistent performance.
The Lion’s roar resonates with KCB’s supporters, long starved for success. His arrival signifies hope, a chance to reclaim their rightful place at the top.
Famously nicknamed “The Lion” for his no-nonsense approach, Matano was officially unveiled on Sunday.
He said his immediate challenge is to transform the club into a title-winning top-flight outfit. He will be looking keenly to select a squad that will help him charge for the title.
“ This is a club with immense potential, a strong backing, and a clear vision for the future. I am here to win, to compete, and to build a team that reflects the strength and ambition of the KCB brand,” noted Matano,” he added.
He arrives at KCB buoyed by a coaching career that boasts impressive credentials and an incredible wealth of experience. His arrival isn’t a gamble; it’s a strategic manoeuvre, a calculated move to leverage his deep understanding of Kenyan football.
His resume speaks volumes: Premier League titles with Sofapaka and Tusker, a testament to his ability to transform underdogs into champions.
He steered Sofapaka to a maiden Kenyan Premier League title in 2009 and achieved similar feats with Tusker in the 2012, 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons.
Matano’s return to the Kenyan Premier League, following a brief stint with Tanzania’s Fountain Gate FC, is a strategic move that positions him to leverage his extensive knowledge of the local game to elevate KCB.
In an interview, he said his immediate priority is to assess the current squad and identify the players who possess the potential to contribute to a title-winning campaign.
Matano’s approach is refreshingly direct. He’s assessing the squad, identifying players with the grit and skill to fight for the title.
“It’s a good experience. I’m happy because all the players are cooperating and they are trying to learn. By the time we take a break, I'll have observed the players’ conduct and work rate. I shall then decide which one to continue working with,” Matano said.
His focus on player attitude and work ethic underscores his belief in the power of collective effort. He’s not just a coach; he’s a mentor, a leader forging a team united by purpose.
“I can see the attitude is coming up so well. It’s quite important to a coach; If the players are listening and doing the things you want them to do, it gives you courage and confidence,” he said
His appointment comes at a time when KCB is in desperate need of direction. The team has struggled in recent matches, going winless in their last five league games, which ultimately led to the suspension of the previous coaching staff.
Matano emphasised communication, fostering an environment of trust and open dialogue.
This isn’t about autocratic control; it’s about collaborative leadership, empowering players to excel and giving them the confidence to express themselves on the field.
“This degree of openness is vital for fostering unity and trust among the team, both of which will be critical as they get ready for the demands of the forthcoming campaign.
“I think the players have understood me. When I came, we met, sat together and talked about how we are going to work; what I like, what I don’t like, what they should expect from me and what I should expect from them and what the management of KCB wants from all of us,” he said.
Matano is returning to the Kenyan Premier League following a brief stint with Tanzania’s Fountain Gate FC. Matano’s coaching philosophy is rooted in defensive organisation and tactical discipline. His reputation for transforming underdog teams into championship contenders is well-earned.
As he embarks on this new journey with KCB, Matano is not just focused on wins; he’s building a legacy, a team that embodies the KCB brand— strong, ambitious, and determined.
His no-nonsense approach is likely to resonate well with the players, who are eager for guidance and structure.
His previous coaching stints have demonstrated his ability to harness the raw talent of players and mould them into a cohesive unit capable of competing at the highest level.
Matano’s comeback is viewed as a daring and ambitious move by KCB, a team that has long been blamed for underperforming despite its solid player pool and steady financial support.
The challenge is immense, but Matano’s track record, coupled with his unwavering determination, suggests that KCB’s sleeping giant is finally awakening. The league should brace itself; the Lion is hunting.
