Neiva to transform Gor Mahia to a youthful squad after CAF disappointment

Gor Mahia head coach Leonardo Neiva has hinted at rebuilding the team to a fully-fledged youthful outfit firing on all cylinders.

According to the Brazilian tactician, the experienced old guards in the club will have to find a new home as the 21-time Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions embark on an ambitious rebuilding phase.

“My plan is to build a strong youthful team that can win trophies. I know we have experienced players in the team, but now they will have to end their football circle,” said the coach.

Neiva has also hinted at scouting for youthful local talents as opposed to importing experienced players, noting that he intends to have a consistent team.

While dismissing allegations that Gor has no outright first eleven, Neiva said, currently, he has a strong squad that can go places even as he intends to change players’ depending on their capabilities.

This explains why he has recently preferred to deploy Rooney Onyango at the attacking position as opposed to his regular right-back position.

“We will have to put field players where we feel they should belong and not where they want to be. A special case of Rooney Onyango, I feel he is more of a winger or a striker as opposed to being a right back,” noted Neiva.

A number of Gor players who have overstayed at the club have not been getting a starting call-up even under former tactician, Jonathan McKinstry.

If Neiva’s remarks come to pass, K’Ogalo will have a new look of youthful faces, a squad he has promised to keep together for as long as he remains the head coach.

Gor Mahia were eliminated from the CAF Champions League after a 6-0 aggregate loss to holders Al Ahly of Egypt last weekend in Cairo, conceding three goals home and away.

The Brazilian tactician admitted that Al Ahly were in a different class as compared to the Kenyans.

“Al Ahly is in another class. They have played a number of times, even in the World Club Championship other that featuring almost in every season of the CAF Champions league. Their experience cannot be matched with ours,” he said.

He however praised his boys for their performance saying the match against the Egyptian giants was a good challenge for his boys, noting that the experience they got will help them do much better locally and internationally in the future.

“It was a good experience for us and I can say we have learnt a lot from this match. Playing against such a high ranked team is healthy for any club that intends to pick on lessons and go far.”

Gor will play their FKF Premier League season opener against returning Mathare United on September 28, 2024. Goalkeeper Mathew Gad is likely to start between the posts after being sidelined the whole of last season.

This follows the injury of the current number one, Kevin Omondi, who did not play the return leg against Al Ahly following a shoulder injury.