Year-in-Review: Gor ruled KPL again but endured rough return to Africa

After securing their unprecedented 21st FKF-PL title under the guidance of Jonathan McKinstry, Gor Mahia began the new season with high expectations, appointing Brazilian tactician Leonardo Martins Neiva as head coach.

McKinstry had departed to take up a national team role with The Gambia, leaving big shoes to fill.

Upon his arrival, Neiva promised an ambitious rebuild of Gor Mahia, aiming to lead the team to an unbeaten season.

His first test came in the CAF Champions League preliminary rounds against South Sudan’s El Merreikh Bentiu, a challenge he overcame with a two-leg aggregate victory. However, his campaign hit a stumbling block against Egyptian giants Al Ahly, where Gor suffered defeats both in Nairobi and Cairo.

Trouble for Neiva began when the local league kicked off. Despite winning the first two matches, Gor Mahia went winless in four consecutive outings, leaving fans frustrated. The discontent turned hostile, with Neiva facing attacks from irate supporters on two occasions.

“Gor Mahia is not a village club. We can't continue losing like this. Neiva must go,” some fans lamented.

The tension reached a boiling point in Machakos, where Neiva had to be shielded by security as furious fans demanded changes. The club’s management acted swiftly, parting ways with the Brazilian coach after just six matches in charge.

Former Gor Mahia assistant secretary Ronald Ngala attributed the poor results to Neiva’s decisions, particularly his choice to proceed with high-profile matches while key players were on national duty.

“A team is allowed to postpone matches if a significant number of players are on national assignments. Neiva chose not to, and that decision hurt the team,” Ngala said.

Despite the rocky start, Ngala maintained optimism: “The season is still young. With the right measures, Gor can regain their form and return to winning ways.”

Following Neiva’s exit, former Kenyan international Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno was appointed interim head coach.

Zico’s tenure began promisingly, with Gor winning two consecutive matches. However, inconsistency soon crept in, with mixed results that kept the team from finding their rhythm.

Amid this uncertainty, club chairman Ambrose Rachier revealed that Gor had received over 33 applications for the head coach position, primarily from European candidates.

“We receive at least two applications daily. While we’re in no rush to make a decision, we are carefully evaluating the options,” Rachier said.

Gor Mahia’s dominance in the local league, with 21 titles to their name, is being tested this season. Strong competition from teams like KCB, Bandari, Tusker FC, and Kenya Police has added to the pressure.

 Additionally, discipline issues have plagued the squad, with several players serving suspensions, further denting their campaign.

Despite these challenges, Gor Mahia’s history and resilience suggest they can bounce back. With the right leadership and renewed focus, the champions could still roar back to the top by the end of the season.