Tusker FC goalkeeper Patrick Matasi has opened up on a defining 2021 in which the experienced custodian, alongside his family, could have lost their lives after near death experiences on two separate occasions.Speaking on Tusker’s February edition of the club’s monthly magazine, the Harambee Stars keeper reveals how his family cheated death after being poisoned while he was away in Ethiopia back in March 2021.Three months later, Matasi shares how, against all odds, he escaped the jaws of death alongside his wife and son who stayed alive for the second time after they were involved in a grisly road accident at Lessos along the Kapsabet-Nakuru road on Tuesday 1 June.Harambee Stars goalkeeper Patrick Matasi is currently undergoing tests at the Kapsabet hospital after he was involved in a road accident at Lessos.He has complained of chest pains. Quick recovery Kenya 1. pic.twitter.com/g6oGqaChNv— Ole Teya (@Kevin_teya) June 1, 2021 This time though, Matasi’s wife and son had to undergo surgery owing to the injuries sustained. While the keeper did not need that, he had to sit out of action for over a month as he battled the mental and physical challenges that hit him and hit him hard.“At the start of the year in March, while I was in Ethiopia, my family was poisoned and almost lost their lives but by the grace of God, they were not adversely affected. In June, we had a nasty accident on our way to Nairobi but we survived though with massive injuries,” the player is quoted in the magazine.Matasi’s wife and son set for operation“I am still young but what I saw in 2021 was too much for my age. It was a tough year for me to be honest but now looking back and seeing my family all back on their feet is the biggest blessing to my life. I look back and count it all as a testimony. When you go through tough moments, they define your character as a man and make you stronger,” Matasi remarked.The player expressed his gratitude to the club for being understanding after his dramatic return to the club from Ethiopian side St. George. All through the experiences, Matasi also shares the valuable lessons he picked after the unforgettable experience.“I thank Tusker for having given me the opportunity to come back and redeem myself on the pitch. They were very patient with me even when I had to deal with so much including the recovery from the accident. I also had to take care of my wife and son who were hospitalized.🗒️| Have you caught a glimpse of the February issue of our club Magazine?Do you know why Senaji thinks Shami is such a loud liar? 😄😄😄Click on the link and find out more:| https://t.co/vz6Xdn7Cg2 pic.twitter.com/LbSgSTmDEf— 🏆Tusker FC (@tusker_fc) March 5, 2022 “I have learnt about the value of friendship. Sometimes in tough situations that is when you know who are your real ones. I thank everyone who stood by me during that period. I have also learnt to be stronger as a person. During this period, I was strong for myself, for my wife and sons. I have also learnt to be a positive thinker in all circumstances,” he concluded.Currently, the keeper is enjoying his best run since ousting Brian Bwire from the starting eleven.He has so far kept nine clean sheets in 11 matches, conceding only twice as Tusker went an impressive turnaround to jump upto third on the log.
