After a disappointing 2024/25 season that concluded without any trophies, Gor Mahia, the former champions of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League, have dismissed their entire technical team, which was led by Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno.
In an official statement, the club announced the changes, stating: “Gor Mahia wishes to inform its supporters, stakeholders, and the general public that it has amicably reached a mutual agreement to part ways with the entire technical staff, including team security members, effective July 2nd, 2025.”
“This decision comes after a thorough internal evaluation and is part of the club’s wider restructuring efforts designed to enhance its technical and operational capabilities as it prepares for the 2025/26 season.”
“The decision to separate has been made amicably, with the club acknowledging the contributions made by the departing staff. We express our heartfelt gratitude to the individuals involved for their commitment, professionalism, and service to Gor Mahia during their tenure.”
“As we embark on a new journey, Gor Mahia remains focused on building a strong foundation that will support our drive for competitive excellence both on and off the field. We will make further announcements regarding the new technical staff in due course.”
The prestigious Kenyan club faced a tumultuous season, as they surrendered the Premier League title to the newly dominant Kenya Police FC, and were unable to secure the FKF domestic Cup, suffering a surprising 2-1 defeat to Nairobi United in the final.
At the start of the season, expectations were high, with Gor Mahia targeting a third successive league title after having won it during the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons. Unfortunately for them, Kenya Police FC clinched the title with a game remaining in the season.
Police secured the championship with 65 points, accumulated from 18 wins, 11 draws, and five losses, finishing six points clear of Gor Mahia, who managed to tally 59 points from 16 victories, 11 draws, and seven defeats. This was a marked decline compared to their performance in the previous two seasons.
In the 2022/23 season, K’Ogalo claimed the league with a total of 70 points from 20 wins, 10 draws, and only four setbacks, while they further improved to 73 points in the subsequent 2023/24 campaign, securing 21 wins, 10 draws, and three losses.
Meanwhile, Gor Mahia enjoyed a strong cup run, beginning with a resounding 3-0 victory over KSG in the Round of 64, then a 5-0 romping of GAS FC in the Round of 32. They followed this with a 2-0 win against Bandari FC in the Round of 16 and again beat Kariobangi Sharks by the same scoreline in the quarter-finals.
In the semis, they faced a challenging match against Murang’a Seal, finishing with a dramatic 2-2 draw before winning the penalty shootout 5-3. With the FKF Cup being their last chance to secure silverware and earn a place in continental competition, Gor Mahia met Nairobi United in the final.
However, it was Nairobi United, who had progressed past Mara Sugar in penalties during the semis, who emerged victorious, scoring in both halves to eliminate K’Ogalo and extinguish their hopes of lifting a trophy and gaining entry into the CAF Confederation Cup.
Why changes were necessary at Gor Mahia
Otieno and his coaching staff had taken the reins on an interim basis after the dismissal of Croatian coach Sinisa Mihic, who was the second foreign manager to part ways with the club this season after Brazilian Leonardo Martins Neiva was also shown the door following just six matches.
“It has been agreed that in order to move forward, a new technical team is essential. We would like the new coaching staff to be presented swiftly so that we can kickstart pre-season preparations for the upcoming season,” stated the club’s management.
“The new technical team will also have the autonomy to suggest player signings, as we look to bolster the squad. Our objective is clear: reclaim the Premier League title and return to continental football next season, so prompt progress is essential. We are making swift arrangements for a new team and new player acquisitions for pre-season training.”
This will mark Gor Mahia’s first absence from continental football in three years. The Police will represent the nation in the CAF Champions League, while Nairobi United is set to compete in the second-tier Confederation Cup.
A prime opportunity for team rebuilding
Former Harambee Stars midfielder, Noah Abich, remarked that Gor Mahia now finds itself in an ideal position to rebuild the team after failing to qualify for continental action.
“When you’re consistently finishing seasons without silverware, it signals a need for change; it suggests something within the team isn’t functioning properly. However, this presents a chance to reassess and make necessary improvements before the next season begins in August.”
Meanwhile, Gor Mahia’s goalkeeper, Gad Mathews, has committed to making a strong comeback next season, while also apologising to the fans for the disappointing campaign.
“To our passionate fans, we acknowledge that this season has been disheartening. We resonate with your frustrations and share in your disappointment. We fell short of our objectives, and we know we didn’t meet your expectations,” Mathews said, who earned the FKF Cup Golden Glove award after maintaining four clean sheets throughout the season.
“We are grateful for your unwavering support during this challenging season. Your dedication and passion are invaluable to us. We have been analysing our performances and are already preparing for improvements ahead of next season.”
“Our commitment is to come back stronger and make you proud. Your support is crucial, and we need you to stand by us as we work towards a better era. Let’s do this together.”
Midfielder Alphonse Omija echoed Mathews’s sentiments, reflecting, “It has been a tough season; filled with lows – it was far from what we envisioned.”
“What happened, happened. We cannot change the past; it’s God’s will that prevails, and his plans are always greater and more beautiful than our disappointments. While we didn’t reach our goals, we understand your frustrations. We look forward to seeing you next season.”
Despite concluding the season without trophies, Gor Mahia retains its status as the most successful club in Kenya’s football history, having clinched the Kenyan Premier League title a record 21 times and the FKF President’s Cup 11 times.
Gor Mahia also remains the first and only Kenyan club to win an African continental title, having triumphed in the African Cup Winners’ Cup in 1987, following a previous finalists appearance in 1979.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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