Kenyan international goalkeeper Matasi breaks silence after car crash
Football
By
John S Shilitsa
| Jun 07, 2021
Kenyan international goalkeeper Patrick Matasi could spend a few more days in the hospital as advised by doctors.
Matasi, who plays for St. George in Ethiopia is recuperating well at Kakamega County and General Hospital (KCGH) but doctors at the facility recommended more days of rest for the star keeper.
On Saturday, Matasi looked cheerfully and spent time cuddling his one and half-year-old son who suffered a broken hand and shoulder after an accident that occurred at Lessos last Tuesday.
Matasi, his wife son, a cousin and brother-in-law enroute to Nairobi from Kakamega cheated death when the car they were travelling in rolled at least three times after a tyre burst.
“I thank God for saving my life, that of my wife and my son, the car was being driven by my cousin when the accident occurred,” recalled Matasi whose wounds on the forehead and left cheek appeared to be healing fast.
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The conspicuous stitch on his right eyelid apparently made Matasi a little uncomfortable but he was categorical that it felt nice to be alive and see his family around.
“I feel much better and energetic although in the morning I had to be checked after developing some mild complications, the doctors say I am recuperating well and that is what matters the most.”
But Matasi is a disturbed man because his wife and son are expected to undergo surgery.
“I am happy they are responding well to treatment, but I appeal for financial assistance from Kenyans in order to foot hospital bill, I will appreciate if President Uhuru Kenyatta, the football association, governor Wycliffe Oparanya and all other well-wishers stepped in to help me,” said Matasi.
Matasi and his family were first treated in Kapsabet before they were referred to KCGH for specialized treatment.
The Harambee Stars goalkeeper said his Club gave him a two-month break following General Elections expected in Ethiopia around June 26.
“We had just come to the end of the season and players were allowed to take a break, so I travelled home,” said the footballer.
Relatives, friends, fans and football officials have been visiting the player at the hospital while others have been calling to wish Matasi a quick recovery.
Among the visitors are former Harambee start ace Allan Wanga who plies his trade at Kakamega Homeboys, Kakamega county sports officials and West Kabras MCA David Ndakwa in whose ward Matasi hails.
But the hospital administrator Titus Mumia said they have been forced to limit the number of visitors including relatives.
He said they were forced to take away Matasi’s mobile phone after he became overwhelmed with incoming calls.
“We appeal to Kenyans to give Matasi ample time, he needs to rest and we have been turning away people demanding to meet him,” said Mumia.
According to the official, the hospital would give Matasi, his wife and son the best attention “but he needs financial support to foot the bill, the wife and son would require an implant which has to be bought.”