Fountain Gate head coach Robert Matano had been fined by the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) for the post-match comments made after their 1-1 draw against Simba SC.The former Tusker tactician has been slapped with a fine of Tsh 500,000 (approximately Ksh 24,000) for criticizing match officials, particularly center referee Abel William.Speaking after the match, that was played on Thursday 6 February, the former Sofapaka coach alleged that the referee gave undue advantage to his opponents.##NAJAVA_MECA_8710601##“That was not a foul; it was an offside. The referee officiated poorly. A team like Simba should be able to play without the referees helping them. I don’t expect referees to give them an advantage against a team like Fountain Gate… The referee was very biased,” said Matano.Kenya female referees to officiate Chad vs Senegal WAFCON QualifierAccording to TPLB, Matano violated law number 45:2.1 of the Tanzania Premier League which governs the conduct of coaches and their staff.“Fountain Gate head coach Robert Matano has been fined Tsh 500,000 for violating the league’s regulations by publicly criticizing match officials during their game against Simba Sports Club at Tanzanite Stadium in Manyara,” read part of the statement by the board.Interestingly, this was not the first time Matano had made controversial comments since crossing over to Tanzania in December 2024.Why Spain-born star nearly exited Harambee Stars camp in 2019 AFCON finalsIn his pre-match conference of the same match, the former Bidco United coach caused a stir online after disclosing that he has been a long-time fan of Simba SC.“I have been a Simba fan for many years. I have played against them, and my friends have also played for them. I am also called Simba (Lion), so it will be a meeting of two Simbas,” said Matano, who is commonly referred to as the Lion in Kenya.
