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Matasi: I’m lucky to be alive, need help


After surviving a grisly accident, Harambee Stars goalkeeper Patrick Matasi concedes he is lucky to be alive and has appealed to well-wishers to help him raise funds required to treat himself and his family.

The former AFC Leopards custodian, who is currently attached to Ethiopian giants Saint George, was traveling with his family from Kakamega to Nairobi when the accident occurred along Lessos, on the busy Kapsabet-Nakuru Highway a few weeks ago.

While detailing how they survived, Matatsi who was released a day after the accident explains that his wife and son required additional medical attention including surgeries to repair broken bones.

“We traveled to Kakamega to give our grandmother a sendoff and after, we decided as a family to go back to Nairobi on June 1. My family and I left our home at 9am and we had a stopover at Quickmart supermarket to pick Mukhwasi (my in-law) who is a cousin to my wife. I gave him the keys to drive us to Nairobi so that I rest,” he explained.

Matasi, who saved a penalty from Liverpool star Sadio Mane during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, further explains they started their journey through Shinyalu where they picked other relatives.

“We passed Kapsabet, Lessos and listening to some good music but unfortunately we had a tyre burst and the driver lost control, the car rolled three times,” he recalls.

“The people of Nandi reacted very fast and rescued us. We received first aid at Kapsabet hospital and became very stable, so we asked to be transferred to Kakamega, where we have close relatives.”

According to Matasi, the driver got a cut on the head and was in good condition while his uncles were not hurt and were the ones who took Remy on a motorcycle to the dispensary.

On Monday Matasi reached out to members of the public to help him settle his hospital bill.

“Hello friends, as I had already shared with you, my wife and son were scheduled for surgery, which they did. My wife was operated on June 7, while my son underwent his surgery today (Monday),” a statement on Matasi’s Facebook page read.

“As you all know, in these types of situations, bills spiral and sometimes become overwhelming, especially in this case where it’s three people that require medical attention,” he said.

“This is why I am requesting for you to support me as I run up and down to ensure all of us are finally healed and get back to our normal lives.

“I understand that times are hard, but whatever amount will be appreciated. Thank you and may God bless you.”

Matasi is one of Kenya’s most established goalkeepers, although he has not been called up in recent times for national assignments. Since coach Sebastien Migne left in 2019, he has not been summoned, with Ian Otieno of Zesco United, Brian Bwire from Kariobangi Sharks, Arnold Origi and Ulizi Stars’ Jacktone Odhiambo and James Saruni being the goalkeepers who have enjoyed Harambee Stars moments.

The 33-year-old has played for AFC Leopards, Posta Rangers, and Tusker in the Kenyan Premier League before he was signed by the Ethiopian side in 2018. He was the number one goalkeeper when Kenya fought for a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations slot and was used prominently during the finals in Egypt.

Matasi made his debut for the national team in 2017 and has so far featured in 27 games for Harambee Stars, including the Cecafa finals when Kenya lifted the trophy under Paul Put.