Sacked Matano wants credit for Leopards upturn

Expelled coach Robert Matano has suggested he deserves credit for AFC Leopards’ upturn following his dismissal from the club.

Leopards have risen 11 places to second in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) since Matano was asked to step aside in a perfect run that has seen them win all three of their subsequent matches.

Matano asserted he believes the run is a manifestation of his work and it was only a matter of time before the desired results would begin to show.

“I said that the team will perform after it gels; how can you expect the team to perform yet players had not even known each other? Kitambi has only been in charge for one week and you cannot tell me he has changed anything,” Matano charged.

The veteran tactician was Thursday served with a two-month notice of his termination letter, marking an end to his seven-month spell at the den.

Matano had been suspended following a string of unimpressive results that included a rush exit from the CAF Confederations Cup.

The former Ulinzi Stars boss was a few months into the two-year contract he was given when he took over from Englishman Stewart Hall who resigned due to personal reasons.

Matano led Leopards into winning the GOtv Shield last year.