Harambee Stars Goalkeeper Embroiled in Match-Fixing Scandal
A storm has erupted in Kenyan football as Harambee Stars goalkeeper Patrick Matasi finds himself at the center of a match-fixing scandal that threatens to tarnish the sport’s integrity in the country. A leaked video, which surfaced online on Thursday, March 27, allegedly shows Matasi negotiating with an unidentified individual to manipulate the outcome of a match, sending shockwaves through the football community and prompting swift action from the Football Kenya Federation (FKF). As of today, the fallout continues to unfold, with fans, players, and officials grappling with the implications of this explosive revelation.
The Leaked Video: A Damning Exchange
The footage, secretly recorded inside a stationary vehicle, captures Matasi seated in the right-back seat, engaged in a conversation with a man off-camera. The unidentified individual is heard issuing instructions, saying, “That first half, bro, what we want must come,” to which Matasi appears to nod in agreement. Another voice pleads, “This is the first deal, I beg you. You know how we have done this, I have never let you down, you have never let me down,” suggesting a history of trust—and possibly prior arrangements. The man promises to send payment immediately, with a follow-up call to confirm the transaction, sealing the alleged deal.
Though the exact date, location, and match in question remain unclear, the video’s emergence has cast a dark shadow over Matasi’s career. The 37-year-old goalkeeper, currently with Kakamega Homeboyz in the FKF Premier League, has been a mainstay for both club and country, earning a reputation as one of Kenya’s finest shot-stoppers. His storied tenure includes stints with AFC Leopards, Tusker FC, and Kenya Police FC, alongside consistent appearances for Harambee Stars, most recently in a 4-1 loss to Cameroon in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers last October.
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Patrick Matasi with a match-fixing agent.#FootballKE pic.twitter.com/kUd8XHAmrY
— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) March 27, 2025
A History of Suspicion
Matasi’s past performances have not been without scrutiny. Fans and analysts have long pointed to “schoolboy errors” and “soft goals” conceded during critical matches, fueling speculation of foul play. His outing against Cameroon, where he let in four goals—two deemed avoidable—drew particular ire, with some questioning his selection under then-coach Engin Firat. Earlier whispers of match-fixing dogged him during his time with various clubs, though no concrete evidence had surfaced until now. The leaked video has reignited these concerns, with many revisiting his record through a lens of suspicion.
FKF Responds: Investigation Underway
The Football Kenya Federation wasted no time addressing the scandal. In a statement released hours after the video went viral, FKF confirmed it had launched an official investigation in collaboration with FIFA, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and other relevant authorities.
FKF upholds the integrity of football and has a zero-tolerance policy on match manipulation. We are committed to safeguarding the credibility of our competitions and will ensure a fair, transparent, and thorough process.
The federation urged anyone with additional information to come forward, emphasizing that the rights of Matasi and his club would be respected pending the investigation’s outcome. If found guilty, Matasi could face severe penalties under FIFA and CAF regulations, including a lifetime ban from football, hefty fines, or even criminal charges, as match-fixing is illegal in many jurisdictions. For Kenyan football, the stakes are equally high—sponsors and investors may recoil from a sport mired in controversy, further stunting its growth.
Olunga’s Disbelief and Team Fallout
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga, a towering figure in Kenyan football, reacted with visceral disbelief. Taking to social media, he posted a terse “F*** off” followed by three wide-eyed emojis, a rare public outburst from the typically reserved striker. His response mirrors the shock felt by teammates and fans alike, many of whom see Matasi as a veteran leader whose alleged actions could fracture team morale.
Matasi’s most recent move to Kakamega Homeboyz in January 2025 had been seen as a fresh start after a rocky spell with Kenya Police, but this scandal now jeopardizes his club standing as well. Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula has defended his player, insisting Matasi is “innocent until proven guilty,” but the pressure is mounting as the club braces for potential backlash.
The Bigger Picture: Kenyan Football at a Crossroads
This isn’t the first time match-fixing has reared its head in Kenyan football. In 2019, former Harambee Stars player George “Wise” Owino was implicated in a FIFA investigation detailing a scandal that rocked the sport, though it faded from public view without major convictions. The current allegations against Matasi threaten to expose deeper systemic issues—poor oversight, financial desperation among players, and a lack of robust safeguards against corruption.
For Harambee Stars, already struggling in their 2026 World Cup and 2025 AFCON qualifying campaigns, the timing couldn’t be worse. Coach Benni McCarthy, appointed earlier this month, has been tasked with rebuilding a team plagued by inconsistency and off-field drama. A 3-3 draw with Gambia and a 2-1 loss to Gabon in recent qualifiers showed promise but highlighted defensive frailties—some of which Matasi’s critics now attribute to more than mere error.
