Kenyan champions Gor Mahia have fired head coach Leonardo Neiva following a torrid start to the season.
In a statement, the club said they terminated the services of the 46-year-old Brazilian by invoking a clause in his two-year contract.
“Gor Mahia Football Club today announces the termination of the contract of head coach Leonardo Neiva. This decision was made after the club management invoked a contractual clause leading to the end of the coach’s tenure immediately,” said part of the statement.
“The club extends its gratitude to Neiva for his commitment, hard work and contributions to Gor Mahia during his time with the team. However, following a thorough evaluation and in the interest of aligning with the club’s long-term vision, the management has determined that a change in leadership is necessary.”
Assistant coaches Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno and Michael Nam will serve as interim coaches while the search for a new head coach continues.
“Gor Mahia Executive Committee and management remain committed to maintaining the club’s competitive edge and upholding its strong legacy,” the statement continued.
“The club will begin the search for a new head coach who embodies the values and aspirations of Gor Mahia Football Club and who will bring renewed energy and strategy.”
The Brazilian coach, who took over the reins from Jonathan McKinstry on July 1, has had a challenging tenure.
Despite boasting 21 titles, K’Ogalo are languishing in unfamiliar 12th place on the log after six matches, having won twice, suffered two losses and shared the spoils twice.
Neiva’s last assignment was a 2-0 thumping by Bandari at the Ukunda Showground last week.
The shock defeat came hot on the heels of slack-headed back-to-back performances, which saw them lose 2-1 to Nairobi City Stars and then play to a two-all draw with Murang’a Seal.
K’Ogalo have been under pressure to appease their listless fans who are used to triumphs.
Angry K’Ogalo supporters stormed the pitch at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos, recently, specifically baying for Neiva’s blood and demanding explanations for the string of subpar outcomes.
Neiva had served as coach of St. Kitts, Jamaica’s Montego Bay, Sudan’s Al Merreikh and Uganda’s Vipers FC.
He was fired after just 156 days of service with the Vipers, where he finished with three victories, one draw and one defeat in five games.
His departure comes at a time
when the club is setting the stage
for a mouth-watering Mashemeji derby against arch-rivals AFC
Leopards on November 24.
