Veteran tactician Robert Matano has scooped the coach of the year accolade for guiding Tusker to reclaim the league title.Matano who was appointed three years ago had his decision to build a strong squad at the Ruaraka based club pay off as their depth played a crucial role in successfully navigating the grueling league tides to a beautiful ending.Besides winning the league, the former Sofapaka gaffer masterminded a quarter final place finish in the Football Kenya Federation Cup where they were eliminated by AFC Leopards.Matano’s experience was there for all to see as he was never afraid of ringing changes when they were boxed into a rather uncomfortable corner by opponents and when approaching opponents deemed to be difficult.His man management was also visible as he led the troop laced with senior and budding players to achieve one of their objectives set before the campaign kicked off.Tusker toasted the crown after gathering 65 points from 32 matches and in the process scored 52 goals and conceded 26. They won 19 times, shared spoils eight times and lost five duels. Tusker players were cautioned 48 times and had one sent off throughout the campaign.Matano who was named the June coach of the month beat KCB boss Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno and Bandari coach Andre Casa Mbungo to the award. He walks home with Ksh. 300,000 and a TV set, Zico gets Ksh. 200,000 while Mbungo gets Ksh. 100,000.
