By John Lawrence

Nairobi, Kenya: Kenyan Premier League champions Tusker FC appear headed for tough times ahead. After being eliminated from the 2013 CAF Champions League, the brewers head coach Robert Matano has been walking a tight rope.

The team have only won three matches in their last 10.

When Gor Mahia coach, Zdravko Logarusic jokingly told Matano, that his days at Tusker are numbered and that he (Zdravko) would send him home, they both laughed it off.

In order to strengthen the technical bench, Tusker board hired former Gor Mahia Team Manager, Tom Ogweno although their Team Manager Willis Waliaula was still there.

One of the Tusker players, who spoke to FeverPitch on grounds of anonymity, expressed concerns that the team lack of clear structures.

 He said: “Some of us were not happy with the way the coach, handled the Opiyo issue.”

Arguably one of the most talented midfielders, Peter ‘Pinches’ Opiyo’s fallout with Matano and eventual absence from the team’s starting line-up has got a number of football pundits wondering.

“A number of players have considered leaving in the June transfer window if Matano is still the coach,” said one of the senior players.

Former Tusker FC player Sammy Shollei said Matano is part of the problems bedeviling the KPL champions.

“From day one, I have been skeptical about Matano’s reign due to his no-nonsense approach to the players which doesn’t conform with the breweries culture.

“The way you relate with players on and off the pitch matters most. Matano should understand that he is not only a coach but a father figure too,” Shollei told FeverPitch.

But speaking on telephone, Matano dismissed reports that he is under pressure, saying: “When teams fail to win, you will hear many things from underperforming players to fans.”

According to Matano, it is just a matter of time before he gets his groove back.

“Have you ever heard of any coach having problems coaching (Lionel) Messi or Van Persie? Those players who keep talking out there are not performing and we don’t baby-sit players.”

 “Every player is given an equal chance to prove their worth. I do not believe in big names and Tusker FC have 30 players who all must fight for the position in the starting line-up,” said Matano.