Robert Matano Aims Fresh Dig at Former AFC Leopards Coach Patrick Aussems Over Infamous ‘Djujuman’ Jibe in April 2023
Tusker FC head coach Robert Matano has reignited his feud with former AFC Leopards boss Patrick Aussems by taking a fresh dig over Aussems’ ‘djujuman’ jibe from April 2023.
The controversy started after Stewart Omondi’s stoppage-time goal secured a narrow 1-0 victory for Tusker against AFC Leopards in an FKFPL clash at Nyayo National Stadium.
The late goal came amid accusations that Aussems instructed his players to waste time to secure a draw, leading to a heated exchange between the two coaches.
The confrontation escalated to the point where members of both technical benches and stewards had to intervene and separate the managers. Following the match, Aussems took to his X (formerly Twitter) account, accusing Matano of using underhand tactics.
“Unfortunately, we have been punished at the last minute due to a lack of aggressiveness! Congrats to the players of Tusker. Of course, I won’t talk about an old coach with no international experience who is more a juju man than a tactician… one could learn,” Aussems wrote. Matano, angered by the remarks, threatened to sue Aussems for defamation unless he received an apology within a specified period.
Recently, Matano revisited the issue in a TikTok video recorded by @VinnyBee1, directing new comments at Aussems. He praised the current AFC Leopards head coach, Tomas Trucha, for their excellent relationship, but took a jab at Aussems. “The current coach is a friend of mine. Forget the other one who labeled me derogatory names,” Matano said.
“How did he know I am a juju man? He is part of this then if he knew! He has coached in Tanzania and over there, everyone is a sorcerer.”
Matano, often accused of using unorthodox tactics, seemed to suggest that sorcery is indeed a part of football. “By the way, witchcraft is part of football. If you can’t do that, you cannot win. For me, it is about believing in ourselves and what we want to achieve! Nothing to do with, ‘oh! This coach is a juju man!’”
Aussems, who left AFC Leopards at the end of last season, has returned to Tanzanian football to take charge of Singida Big Stars. He previously coached Tanzanian giants Simba in the 2018/2019 season, helping them reach the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League.
Matano’s latest comments have added fuel to an already fiery rivalry, highlighting the intense competitive nature of Kenyan and Tanzanian football.
