Former Tusker FC head coach Robert Matano has dismissed the long-standing notion within football circles that he uses magic to win matches and titles at the clubs he coaches.Over the years, murmurs of Matano invoking ‘juju’ have been the talk within football circles. However, there has been no empirical evidence to suggest that he practices the vice, or that it works.##NAJAVA_MECA_8226637##In recent years, opponents have encountered eggs on the pitch, with opposing players’ names written on them. Nairobi City Stars, Nzoia Sugar FC and AFC Leopards are some clubs that claim to have encountered these mysterious eggs before and during their matches against Tusker FC.Matano has termed these claims baseless allegations. He maintains that black magic does not work in football, and that his success over the years has been due to his ability to get the best out of the playing unit.“People say I break eggs and write opposing players’ names to instill fear in them. Where do such antics work in this world? They can also break the eggs and win. Success in football is all about tactics, structures, motivation, and focus. There’s nothing like juju,” he said in an interview with Radio Jambo.Nyakeya joins Shabana after parting ways with LeopardsLast week, Matano’s stay with Tusker FC came to an end. The club opted not to renew his contract, and he had to depart the club after six years. The veteran tactician was nothing but proud of his record as Tusker FC boss.“I joined Tusker in 2018 while they were in 18th position on the log. I led them to third place, the worst position I ever achieved. In the other five seasons, I won two titles in 2021 and 2022 and finished behind Gor Mahia on three occasions,” said Matano.Matano already has a new home. He is set to rejoin Sofapaka as head coach on a short-term deal. He will succeed Zedekiah Otieno, who quit Batoto ba Mungu for Gor Mahia’s assistant coach’s role.Sofapaka retained their top-flight status after beating Naivas FC in the playoff, and they will be hoping that Matano’s entry will propel them to start the season strongly, unlike last season, where a slow start resulted in them battling relegation for the better part of the season.Fifpro calls for mental healthy pre-season screening in women football
