Matano seeks more time to implement tactics at FG

SINGIDA: FOUNTAIN Gate’s (FG) newly appointed head coach, Robert Matano has acknowledged that he needs more than two weeks to fully implement his tactical system, despite the positive reception he has received since taking over the Tanzanian side.

The Kenyan tactician, who previously coached Sofapaka in Kenya, was appointed as Fountain Gate’s head coach on January 10, replacing Mohamed Muya, who was dismissed following a 5-0 loss to Yanga on December 29.

Matano, a coach with a wealth of experience, revealed that his primary challenge has been balancing his playing style with the strengths and weaknesses of the players at his disposal.

“The main focus over the past week has been on the system and trying to find the right balance with the players I have. It will take some time, but there has been progress,” he said.

With the Mainland Premier League set to resume in early February, Matano has requested that the club’s management organise two to three friendly matches to assess how well the players are adapting to his methods. “I appreciate the management’s support in this regard.

Recently, we played against Mbuni FC from Arusha, a team in the Championship League. The aim was to see how the players respond to the instructions and to experiment with different systems,” he added.

Matano, popularly known by his nickname “Special One,” joined Sofapaka earlier this season after a successful six-year stint with Tusker FC. During his time at Tusker, he led the team to the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title in the 2021-2022 season.

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In addition to Tusker, Matano has also coached several top clubs, including AFC Leopards and Ulinzi Stars.

Since taking charge of Sofapaka, Matano has managed 15 league matches, securing five wins, six draws and four losses, leaving the club in seventh place with 21 points.

Over the course of his career, Matano has won the KPL title four times, once with Sofapaka in 2009 and three times with Tusker (2012, 2020-2021, 2021- 2022).

Meanwhile, the Mainland Premier League which had previously been paused to accommodate the African Nations Championship (CHAN), which was initially scheduled for February but has since been postponed until August resumes next month.

According to the recent fixture released by the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB), Yanga will host Kagera Sugar at the KMC Complex in Mwenge, Dar es Salaam, on February 1 while the next day Simba SC will be in Tabora region to face Tabora United at the Ali Hassan Mwinyi Stadium.

The eagerly awaited clash between rivals Simba and Yanga will take place on March 8 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.