Sinisa Mihic Offers Apology Following the Dismissal of Gor Mahia Assistants

Gor Mahia’s head coach, Sinisa Mihic, has publicly apologised for his actions that caused a rift with assistant coaches Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno and Michael Nam, which he labelled as “sabotaging my work.”

The 48-year-old Croat tactician reportedly dismissed the two coaches along with team manager Victor Nyaoro, a long-standing fixture in the club, from a training session on Friday, April 4th. This incident took place just days before an important FKF Premier League match against KCB at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on April 6th, Sunday.

In comments reported by Daily Nation, Mihic stated: “There’s no way I will work with them because I refuse to be blackmailed. These are individuals I’ve attempted to collaborate with – I even lent them money. I’ve personally invested my own resources to support various club activities out of goodwill. Why are they sabotaging and undermining me?”

He continued: “I won’t let external influences dictate my choices. I will not field players who do not adhere to instructions. Moreover, I find that some local Kenyan players are outperforming the foreign players I am pressured to select.”

“Having served as an assistant coach at multiple clubs, I’ve never encountered or displayed such conduct from colleagues. It’s intolerable.”

Later, Gor Mahia released a statement acknowledging the tension between Mihic and the three club officials, assuring that the issues would be resolved prior to their fixture against the Bankers.

The club’s statement to fans, titled “Attention K’Ogalo Fans,” read: “Reports circulating on social media regarding a rift between coach Sinisa Mihic and the technical bench contain elements of truth.

“The coach feels that the technical bench has been undermining him and sabotaging his efforts regarding certain players. He has accused his two assistants, Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno and Michael (Nam), along with team manager Victor Nyaoro, of pressuring him to field foreign players who he believes do not merit a spot in the squad, prioritising them over local talent.”

The statement concluded: “That said, the club will act promptly to resolve these differences. We urge all K’Ogalo fans to stay composed. Our capable chairman, Ambrose Rachier, is a true leader and often shines during such challenging times. Trust in this team.”

When contacted, Gor Mahia Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Raymond Oruo confirmed the disputes between Mihic and the three officials but remained hopeful for an amicable resolution.

Mihic committed to collaboration

In a rapid turn of events on Saturday, April 5th, Mihic announced that he had reconciled with Otieno, Nam, and Nyaoro, pledging to work collaboratively for the benefit of the club.

“I’m not perfect; these things happen. I’m a competitive person, and I regret what occurred. I hold no animosity towards anyone, and I know they feel the same way. They may see football differently from me, but that’s irrelevant,” he stated.

“We need to understand one another, and I want to ensure that we know what we can accomplish together as a team. I don’t want to leave without achieving something meaningful.”

K’Ogalo fans rally behind Mihic

The decision made by Mihic has elicited mixed responses from K’Ogalo supporters, with some backing the coach for expelling the three members of the technical staff.

Legendary fan Nakitare voiced: while Benard Ombogo remarked: “Zico is known for undermining coaches; he should leave.”

Tony Otieno suggested: “When Mihic was announced as K’Ogalo coach, I warned that Zico would sabotage him as he did with previous coaches; here we go,” whilst Ingosi Vik stated: “The three officials seemed to be the cartels behind the recruitment of foreign players, and they should be dismissed.”

“Insubordination is unacceptable in any establishment,” explained James Okello, while Tony Obiero expressed: “They (the three officials) want to justify mediocrity in scouting. The recruitment of those foreign players was questionable; there might have been some under-the-table deals.”

Steve Qwnks questioned why Gor Mahia didn’t face similar issues under coach Johnathan McKinstry, who operated without Zico as his assistant: “During McKinstry’s tenure, we had no such conflicts; the team performed well, and there was no Zico, so he’s likely the issue,”

George Otieno also remarked: “They should allow the coach to utilize the players he believes are best.”

Samuel Otieno suggested: “I think the club needs to replace the assistants. These are the same individuals who undermined Leo Neiva,” whereas Isaiah Otieno noted: “Zico has had his chances as both head coach and assistant, but he has failed to deliver. If he’s involved in the foreign player signings, they should depart with him. We want results.”

Agunda Maurice stated: “Zico should be shown the door; he was given the opportunity to lead, and all we saw were losses,” while Dickson Manyala concluded: “This Zico was nearly the downfall of Gor Mahia; I don’t understand why he’s still here.”

Since taking charge of K’Ogalo, Mihic has overseen six league matches, achieving three victories, three draws, and remains unbeaten. He has led Gor Mahia to score seven goals while conceding just two, leaving the club with a goal difference of +5.