Sofapaka President Elly Kalekwa has revealed the reason the club re-hired the services of veteran tactician Robert Matano ahead of the new 2024/25 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League season.

Batoto ba Mungu confirmed the acquisition of Matano, popularly referred to as ‘the Lion’, on Monday, just three days after he had ended his six-year stay with Tusker FC. Matano was handed a one-year contract to return to the club, which he helped win the Premier League title during their debut season in 2009.

Speaking on the decision, Kalekwa told People Sports that Matano was the right man to stabilise Sofapaka after a turbulent campaign in the previous season where they fought against relegation.

Sofapaka secured their status in the top-flight after beating National Super League (NSL) side Naivas FC 2-0 on aggregate in the FKF/NSL promotion playoff fixture. They won the first leg 1-0 before winning the return leg by a similar margin.

“We have given Matano a one-year contract just for a start, he is returning home, this is where Matano belongs and we are happy he did not hesitate to take up the new role when we approached him,” Kalekwa told People Sports.

“We all know what Matano can bring into a team, we all know what he has achieved as a coach in the country, we all know how many titles he has bagged, we all know he gave Sofapaka their first league title, and hence his arrival is what we have been waiting for.

“Matano has Sofapaka’s DNA in his blood, I know he has always wanted to come back, and now he has returned, we are happy he is here, and will train the boys in readiness for the new season.”

Kalekwa continued: “He is a coach with many skills, he will instill discipline within the playing unit, he is a coach, who loves to win and hates to lose, and with the struggles we underwent last season, he is the right coach to come in and bring the winning mentality back.”

Matano left Tusker after six years which saw him win two league titles.