Matano unfazed despite big win

By Sports Editor Omondi Onyatta

Tusker coach Robert Matano has urged his team to avoid complacency despite a comprehensive thrashing of Seychelles’ St. Michel in a CAF Champions League match over the weekend. The brewers have one foot in the second round of the prestigious club continental showpiece after a convincing 4-1 win in Victoria, Seychelles.

“Qualification is not certain so any celebrations should be put on hold. We have to keep our focus because we need to brush up on a few areas,” Matano said.

Still, the former Sofapaka and AFC Leopards’ trainer praised his team for approaching the game with the seriousness it deserved. “David Ochieng, to me, was the best player in the game. His goals were outstanding as was the case with Olunga (Michael),” he said.

Ochieng, a regular Harambee Stars player, opened the score sheet after 15 minutes after the home side had gone up in the opening minutes. He then scored the fourth goal from a solo effort after dribbling his way through the St. Michel defence.

Matano, who took over from Sammy Omollo in November, has transformed the fortunes of Tusker after the team’s spiraling performances. He withstood immense pressure from AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia to lead the team to a successful defence of its premier league title. The team also registered impressive results in its pre-season friendlies brushing aside the likes of Simba SC and Yanga of Tanzania.

Attention now turns to the domestic league, which begins with a crunch encounter against Gor Mahia in the DSTV Cup next weekend. Tusker plays St. Michel in a return leg match on March 32013.

First published in February 2013.