Gor Mahia coach ready to push the club from all fronts

When Gor Mahia head coach Leonardo Neiva signed a two-year contract on July 1st 2024, among the tasks he was handed by club chairman Ambrose Rachier was qualifying for the Champions League group stage and defending the league title.

Neiva demolished South Sudan’s El Merreikh Bentu 5-2 on aggregate in the first round of the Caf Champions League and starts his league title quest on September 14 against Ulinzi Stars.

With two months at the helm, the Brazilian has seen it all —from players' strike, falling in the Cecafa Cup group stage, a big victory in the Champions League and above all the Green Army’s passion for the club.

The Champions League second-round assignment will not be easy with  Egyptian giants Al Ahly who are the defending champions;  standing between him and the group stage.

The South American acknowledges they will be up against a tough Al Ahly side after the Fifa international break. 

"The Egyptians are giants of Africa or simply the 'Real Madrid of Africa' and everybody knows they are favourites. However, we will take our chances and try to play without exposing ourselves. First, we start the KPL title defence against wounded Ulinzi stars," said Leonardo. 

His players have a clean bill of health with no injury concerns despite the physical battles against the Sudanese in the two legs.

Leonardo assisted by Gor legend Zedekiah 'Zico' Otieno will be seeking maximum points against Ulinzi stars but expects a tough battle after the soldiers fell to Muranga Seal in the league opener.

Leonardo is happy that his players are grasping his philosophy and playing style—going by the lessons they taught El Merreikh at Nyayo Stadium.

“Football is played on the ground and I am very satisfied with my players in the two legs —Juba and Nairobi. We can’t be in the comfort zone; we must continue pushing and maintain momentum in the league," he added.

As Leonardo plots to condemn the soldiers to their second straight loss in a row, he will be hoping his talisman, Rooney Onyango continues from where he left off in the Champions League, having grabbed a brace. He also expects his boys to maintain the 'Samba' flair of sleek touches and play-switching.

After KPL top scorer Benson Omalla departed K'Ogalo, Neiva will be banking on KPL best player Austin Odhiambo, Morisson Enock, Alpha Onyango, Shariff Musa, Rooney Onyango and Chris Ochieng to rise to the occasion at Machakos Stadium.

The former Vipers tactician is the third Brazilian to coach K'Ogalo in the last 10 years after Ze Mariah, who finished trophy-less in 2016 and Roberto Oliveira, whose contract was terminated through mutual consent under four months due to lack of Caf 'A' or equivalent coaching license.

Unlike his compatriots, Leonardo will be hoping to grab some silverware and make the historic Champions League group stage.

AFC Leopards lead the table after hammering Mathare United 4-0 last weekend.