Matasi: This is why we have a clean sheet in Cecafa

Harambee Stars keeper Patrick Matasi in a training session [PHOTO: COURTESY]

Kenya’s Harambee Stars are waiting to know their fate in the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup 2017, when they lock horns with Burundi in the semifinal this afternoon in Kisumu.

 Stars finished top of group A with 8 points after beating Rwanda 2-0 in the opening match, drawing twice against Zanzibar and Libya before beating Tanzania by a solitary goal.

Despite failing to score in their second and third matches, Stars have shown good performances in their backline and have kept clean sheet as a result. Patrick Matasi, who has been armed with the gloves has so far ensured that no ball hits the back of the net when they play.

The Posta Rangers shot stopper spoke about Kenya’s clean sheet in the Cecafa group stage matches, and attributed success to the managerial tactics.

While speaking to Goal.com, Matasi says that he has always heeded to the instructions from the manager Paul Put, thus making his performance a splendid one.

“When a coach gives you an opportunity, it means he trusts you, and the best thing to do is to perform on the pitch. Of course my defenders have done an impressive job guarding me and that has contributed to the clean sheets,” Said Matasi.

He added that he cannot speculate that the same result will be witnessed against Burundi in today’s semifinal fixture, but only promised Kenyans that the team is working hard and aiming at proceeding to the final.

Kenya has a below average record against Burundian Swallows. Stars have only managed draws and one loss in their past four fixtures where the last meeting was on November 25, 2015, which yielded 1-1 draw.

Stars will be motivated to have a replica of their 2013 campaign when they cruised past South Sudan in the final to grab a win a courtesy of Allan Wanga’s brace, hence lifting the trophy.