Matano in charge at the Leopards’ den

Robert Matano has began his new assignment at AFC Leopards as the head coach, replacing the Englishman Steward Hall who left the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side in June.

The immediate former National Super League (NSL) Bidco United tactician is tasked to reclaim Ingwes lost glory, with the club currently stuck at 12th in the KPL log with only 16 points after 15 matches.

“I can confirm that Matano has started work at Leopards. He was introduced to the players and the technical bench on Monday.

“He is in charge and will lead the team in our Saturday’s match against Bandari away to Mombasa. We will offer him the necessary support as we aim to finish the season stronger,” Leopard’s Secretary General Oscar Igaida told.

Matano who has in the past coached Ulinzi Stars, Mathare United, Tusker FC and Gor Mahia will lead Ingwe for the remainder of the season before further consideration by the club’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

In an interview at Royal Media Services’ Mulembe FM which broadcasts in Luhya language, Matano who led Sofapaka to win league in their first year in the league in 2009 exuded confidence that Leopards will roar again.

“I come with expectations to win matches and nothing else. My job is to coach Leopards to get results provided we all work together.

“Team’s performance is not only about the head coach but team work right from the players, entire technical bench, fans and officials,” he offered.

Matano, who also played for Ingwe in his prime underscored his track record in the previous clubs he has handled, is what he brings at the den.

“I was sacked by Leopards in 2011 when the team was number two behind leaders Tusker FC who went on to win the league.

I was dismissed just because of a few individuals who had their own interests and so it had nothing to do with results,” he noted.

He will be assisted by former Harambee Stars Captain Tom Juma while Tanzanian Dennis Kitambi continues with the position of analyst expert.