Former Tusker FC captain Eugene Asike has finally addressed the long-standing claims linking coach Robert Matano to the use of black magic during his successful spell with the Brewers. The defender, who captained Tusker under Matano’s leadership, has now offered a calm and realistic perspective on a topic that has sparked debate in Kenyan football circles for years.
According to Asike, the rumours about Matano relying on supernatural powers to achieve success were nothing more than baseless talk. He revealed that during his time at the club, the veteran coach never involved players in anything related to witchcraft or rituals. Instead, Matano always emphasized discipline, training, and preparation as the keys to success.
“I’ve heard those stories many times, but I never saw anything like that,” Asike explained. “Coach Matano always said such talk was just mind games meant to distract players. We worked hard in training and performed well because we were well-prepared.”
Asike went on to challenge the logic behind such claims, saying that if Tusker’s victories had indeed been powered by black magic, the team would have had no need to train. “If that was true, we would have stayed home all week and only shown up for matches,” he said. “I believe your performance reflects how well you prepare.”
The defender also noted that belief in supernatural practices is not unique to Kenya. He has encountered similar behaviours in other African countries, particularly Tanzania and South Africa, where some teams engage in rituals they believe enhance performance. He recounted a shocking experience from a past tournament where players were expected to walk underneath a woman during her menstrual period as part of a ritual—something he refused to do.
“In some teams, players who refuse to take part in such rituals are benched, and even team jerseys are restricted from being taken home,” he revealed.
Despite acknowledging that such practices still exist in football, Asike insists Tusker’s triumphs were a result of dedication and tactical discipline. He believes that success in football comes from preparation, teamwork, and belief in oneself rather than superstition.
For Asike, Matano’s legacy remains that of a tough but principled coach whose methods relied on hard work and strategy, not magic.
