No room for match fixers in football, says Harambee Stars coach McCarthy
Speaking during an interview on NTV Tonight, McCarthy made it clear that he has no sympathy for Matasi or any player who compromises the integrity of the sport.
On March 27, a video that quickly went viral showed former Harambee Stars goalkeeper of choice, Patrick Matasi, in what appeared to be a match-fixing contrivance.
The footage took social media by surprise, with critics and football enthusiasts raising concerns. It reignited bitter memories of Kenya’s losses during matches in which Matasi featured.
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As conversations swirled online, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) swiftly moved into action, launching a probe into the matter. This resulted in Matasi's provisional suspension from all FKF-sanctioned events and competitions for a period of 90 days, pending investigations.
"The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has provisionally suspended goalkeeper Patrick Matasi from all FKF-sanctioned events and competitions for 90 days, following concerns raised by circulating videos suggesting possible match manipulation," read a statement dated March 27, 2025.
"The decision, made in accordance with Section VII (2) of the FKF Anti-Match Manipulation Regulations (2016), has been formally communicated to Kakamega Homeboyz FC and the player."
Harambee Stars Head Coach Benni McCarthy has come out strongly against Matasi following the scandal.
Speaking during an interview on NTV Tonight, McCarthy made it clear that he has no sympathy for Matasi or any player who compromises the integrity of the sport.
“For me, first of all, there is no room for betting in any football game,” McCarthy declared.
“The reason we play football is because you can't see yourself doing anything else. It’s something you have the most passion for and something you’re exceptionally good at.”
The South African coach, who took over the Harambee Stars with a clear vision to instil professionalism and discipline, emphasised how rare and valuable it is to play football at a professional level.
“How many people are in Kenya—50 million plus? And how many people get to play football professionally and get paid for it? Not a lot. People would die to be in your position.”
McCarthy expressed disappointment and disbelief over Matasi’s alleged involvement, accusing him of betraying not just himself but the spirit of the sport.
“For you to do that and betray everything you have worked for by grumbling into losing matches—for me, that’s unreasonable,” he said. “There’s no place for people like that in our sport.”
He went on to say that he was relieved to have never had Matasi on his squad.
“I’m glad I never got to cross paths with this player, and he never got to play for me. So, good luck to him and whatever he's got going on.”
Despite wishing him well, McCarthy remained firm that there should be consequences for such actions.
“You should have known if you're a football player, the love of football will never accept taking money to lose a football match,” he said. “So for me, I have no sympathy for that whatsoever.”
McCarthy also called on authorities to go beyond individual players and target the larger networks enabling match-fixing in football.
“Whatever punishment comes, I hope the authorities are going after the people that got this player to do that to begin with.”
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