Tusker FC head coach Robert Matano, a longstanding AFC Leopards registered member, has addressed the team’s prolonged lack of success on the pitch, particularly their failure to clinch a league title in over 26 years.Ingwe last secured the league title in 1998 and has since struggled, with their only recent silverware being a couple of Mozzart Bet Cup victories, the latest in 2017, coinciding with Matano’s tenure.##NAJAVA_MECA_8186114##Matano pinpointed several issues potentially hindering the club, notably the mentality and organizational culture that he believes must evolve for progress.”The club needs a mindset shift. AFC Leopards isn’t about individuals; it belongs to the people. The team must unite and strive for success,” he emphasized in a TikTok video.The coach, like many members at Sunday’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), which was canceled due to lack of quorum, expressed frustration over the club’s governance.”Today, we came for an AGM but left without one. What message does this send? Failure. This reflects poorly on all of us, including the chairman,” he criticized.What Kenya needs to qualify for COSAFA Cup semisMatano also blasted Ingwe chairman Dan Shikanda, accusing him of unilateral decision-making and questioning his tangible achievements during his tenure.”Chairman Dan Shikanda should account for his accomplishments in five years. Managing multiple roles doesn’t ensure team success. We need transparency. I believe in earned success, not luck,” he remarked. “You can’t hold multiple roles such as chairman, agent, assistant coach, team manager, and CEO and expect the team to perform well. Honesty is crucial. I firmly believe that success in winning is not a matter of luck,” he added.Furthermore, Matano highlighted the failure to document the club’s history, as a potential reason for their current struggles. He stressed the importance of educating current players about the club’s past glories and fostering a sense of legacy. “How many trophies does AFC Leopards have? Where are they kept for young players to learn? We need an archive. How are we guiding current players to emulate past successes?” he questioned.Matano also criticized the club’s decision-making process, advocating for more involvement of former players to maintain stability and uphold the club’s philosophy. “Successful clubs incorporate former players who understand the team’s ethos. Who does that at Leopards now? No one,” he lamented.Finally, Matano credited himself for his contributions to the team’s successes over the years.”As a professional coach, I’ve been instrumental in AFC Leopards’ triumphs, including the 1998 league win, Mickey Weche’s Moi Golden Cup, James Nandwa’s Gotv Shield, and the 2017 Cup,” he asserted. “We possess the experience to guide AFC Leopards back to glory.”Matano’s remarks underscore his commitment to steering AFC Leopards towards a brighter future, advocating for structural and cultural reforms within the club to achieve sustained success on the pitch.Neiva eyes continental glory after taking over at Gor Mahia
