Matano sacked as Leopards boss

AFC Leopards have parted ways with coach Robert Matano after just seven months at the club.

The veteran tactician who has been on suspension for the last two weeks following a string of poor results and a dressing room fallout has finally been given his contract termination letter.

Dennis Kitambi who served as his assistant will continue to serve as interim coach, Leopards Organizing Secretary Timothy Lilumbi confirmed on Thursday morning.

“He has been given a two month notice of termination.It was served to him yesterday (Wednesday).

“It’s not a sacking letter but termination letter which has been processed in line with the contract agreement between the club and the coach.

“Discipline and his relationship with players are among the reasons that have led to his dismissal,” Lilumbi told Citizen Digital.

In Matano’s absence, Leopards have been in fluent form winning all three of their matches since he was asked to step aside.

Matano’s relationship with his own players has come under the spotlight and Collins ‘Gattuso’ Okoth is just one case in point with the player accusing him of unfairly freezing him out the team.

In February, Ingwe faithful turned on the former Ulinzi Stars tactician for the second time demanding answers following their chastening 2-1 league defeat to Sofapaka FC in Narok.

A similar incident was witnessed in February 18 when supporters stormed the technical area, questioning his player fielding and team tactics in the aftermath of their 1-1 draw at Posta Rangers.

In November, he made an open rebuke against Burundian striker Alexis Kitenge as Leopards limped into finishing 11th in the league. For him, the lack of quality players had been the club’s main undoing.

The veteran tactician had promised to instigate a massive clearout at the Den and vowed to recruit heavily during the January transfer window in order to give his side a chance to compete against the best in the league.

Matano got his wish as the board backed his plan yet progress has been awfully invisible.

The 12-time champions surrendered the Super Cup title in January after losing 1-0 to bitter rivals Gor Mahia FC after a sorry display before crashing out of the CAF Confederation Cup at the first hurdle.