EXCLUSIVE: Ex-Harambee Stars goalkeeper set to retire at season's end

Veteran goalkeeper Patrick Matasi is set to bring down the curtain on his playing career at the end of the current season, and bring to a close a journey that has spanned nearly two decades, Mozzart Sport can exclusively reveal.

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The Harambee Stars and Kakamega Homeboyz goalkeeper has been out of competitive action since March 2025, when the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) handed him a three month suspension following the emergence of a video in which he was allegedly at the centre of a spot fixing attempt.

Since then, Matasi has struggled to reclaim his place at Homeboyz, and was eventually pushed out of the matchday squad, although he has continued training with the team.

His situation was further complicated in October 2025 when the High Court in Kakamega struck out a petition he had filed, one that had initially barred FKF from suspending or taking disciplinary action against him.

The ruling dealt a major blow to the shot stopper, who has since been left in limbo awaiting a conclusive resolution to his case.

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Sources close to the goalkeeper indicate that the prolonged uncertainty and lack of communication from FKF have heavily influenced his decision to step away from the game.

When reached for comment, Matasi confirmed the development, but hinted he will speak in greater detail at a later date.

“I am planning to retire at the end of the season, I will do an elaborate interview when that time comes,” he said.

Matasi’s journey began in humble surroundings at Lwanda High School in Kabras, where he completed his KCSE in 2009, before earning a breakthrough with second tier side West Sugar after successful trials.

He rose to prominence during his Kenyan Premier League (KPL) debut with AFC Leopards, when he was thrust into the starting line up against Posta Rangers following an injury to first choice goalkeeper Barnabas Tiema.

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He seized the opportunity in emphatic fashion, keeping three consecutive clean sheets against Bandari, Sony Sugar and Gor Mahia, instantly announcing himself as one of the league’s most reliable goalkeepers.

Renowned for his leadership, composure and ability with the ball at his feet, including his powerful free kicks, Matasi quickly became a fan favourite.

His defining moment on the international stage came in 2017 during the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup final against Zanzibar, where he saved three penalties to hand Kenya the title and earn a nomination for the tournament’s Best Player award.

Matasi went on to cement his place as Kenya’s first choice goalkeeper, earning 35 caps and representing the country at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2019, where he produced one of the tournament’s memorable moments with a penalty save against Sadio Mane.

In 2018, his stock rose further after securing a KSh4 million move to Ethiopian giants St. George SC after an impressive performances in AFCON qualifiers.

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Despite his achievements, his career has also been punctuated by off field challenges. He previously fell out with Tusker over a blocked transfer to Police, which led to to a brief standoff before eventually completing the move.

His stint with Police ended under unclear circumstances, paving the way for his January 2025 switch to Kakamega Homeboyz, just months before his suspension.

With two major titles for Kenya, the 2017 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup and the 2024 Four Nations Tournament, alongside numerous individual accolades, his legacy remains significant despite the cloud that has defined the final stretch of his career.