In a surprising turn of events, Gor Mahia, the champions of the FKF Premier League, have terminated their relationship with head coach Sinisa Mihic, just three months into his tenure, on Monday, May 19.
The iconic Kenyan football club confirmed the news via a statement, revealing that the Croatian coach had mutually decided to part ways following a 0-0 draw against Murang’a Seal at SportPesa Arena on May 18.
“Gor Mahia announces that we have mutually agreed to part ways with head coach Sinisa Mihic,” read a portion of the statement from the club. “We appreciate coach Mihic for his dedication during his time with us and wish him success in his future pursuits.”
The club also announced the promotion of assistant coaches Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno and Michael Nam to lead the team temporarily until the season concludes.
“In the meantime, the team’s assistant coaches will oversee training and match preparation until the end of the season,” the statement concluded.
Mihic joined Gor Mahia on February 3, 2025, under a six-month probationary contract, during which he guided the club through 15 matches across all competitions, securing eight victories, five draws, and two losses.
His stint began with a Premier League win, a 2-1 victory against Mathare United, but followed by two consecutive 0-0 draws against Tusker and Bidco United. Gor Mahia managed to bounce back with a 3-1 triumph over Kariobangi Sharks before shifting focus to the FKF Cup Round of 32, where they faced Githurai All Stars.
In the domestic Cup, K’Ogalo triumphed with a resounding 5-0 win over Githurai, followed by a 2-0 victory against Bandari in league play. They then drew 0-0 against AFC Leopards in Mihic’s first Mashemeji derby, before a narrow 1-0 win over KCB and a 2-0 victory against Bandari in the FKF Cup Round of 16.
Mihic’s side then faced Sofapaka, resulting in a 1-1 draw, but Gor Mahia’s title hopes took a hit with a shocking 1-0 defeat to FC Talanta.
However, they bounced back emphatically, defeating Mara Sugar 4-0 and eliminating Kariobangi Sharks from the FKF Cup with a 2-0 victory.
His last league match saw Gor Mahia claim a 1-0 victory over Shabana at Gusii Stadium, but they returned to Nairobi to suffer a surprising 2-1 defeat against relegation-threatened Nairobi City Stars, culminating in his final match for the club, a 0-0 draw against Murang’a Seal at SportPesa Arena.
Reasons Behind Sinisa Mihic’s Departure from Gor Mahia
A prominent official from Gor Mahia, who chose to remain anonymous, disclosed that the 47-year-old coach had lost the backing of the players due to his experimental approach, prompting the club to conclude that the best course was to part ways before the situation escalated.
“His selection of matchday squads was often questionable; he frequently benched key players without explanation. The club could no longer tolerate his trial-and-error approach.”
“Many fans were perplexed at his decisions, particularly his consistent exclusion of players who were believed to deserve starting positions.
“The style of play he tried to implement did not align with the champions’ identity; his insistence on a 3-5-2 system was ineffective and negatively impacted several players, creating disarray within the team.”
The insider added: “Even after being advised to reconsider his strategy, he remained unyielding, surprising many by opting for a formation with five defenders and only two midfielders against Murang’a Seal. That approach was ineffective, and Gor Mahia failed to score.”
“Even after noticing his tactical errors, attempts to switch strategies proved futile as the match concluded without a goal.”
“He was appointed to help us win trophies, but there seemed to be a lack of genuine determination to achieve the objectives set. At several points, he clashed with players and coaching staff, which is detrimental to team harmony, leading us to believe it was necessary to make a change.”
When asked about plans to replace Mihic immediately, the source indicated: “Not at this stage; we’ll first let ‘Zico’ and Nam manage the team on an interim basis. We’ll support them in the remaining matches.”
“With three league matches ahead, including the derby, and the FKF Cup, we will strategise for next season once this one concludes.”
On April 4, Mihic had to issue an apology following conflicts with assistant coaches ‘Zico’ and Nam, after accusing them of “sabotaging my work.”
In this debacle, Mihic reportedly expelled both coaches, as well as the team’s long-serving manager, Victor Nyaoro, from a training session ahead of their league clash against KCB at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.
Explaining his actions, Mihic stated: “There is no way I’m going to work with them because I can’t be blackmailed.”
“These are people I’ve tried to collaborate with – I’ve even lent them money and used my own resources to support club activities out of goodwill. Why are they sabotaging me?”
He further asserted: “I will not let external influences dictate my choices. I won’t field players who don’t adhere to instructions. Some Kenyans are excelling more than foreign players I’m pressured to play.”
“Despite serving as an assistant coach at various clubs, I’ve never encountered or displayed the behaviour I’ve noticed from some colleagues. It’s unacceptable.”
Fan Reactions to Mihic’s Departure
The departure of Mihic elicited mixed responses from Gor Mahia supporters, with some urging the club’s management to overhaul the entire coaching staff.
Fan Odhiambo Bonface expressed confusion: “What did this coach do wrong? How many games did he lose on the sidelines?”
“Can we ascertain that the coach was right about being undermined, and thus the saboteurs succeeded? I truly appreciated his leadership. All the best, Mihic.”
Austine Akwany voiced his displeasure: “You won’t clinch this season’s league. Mihic has been excessively frustrated for no valid reason. He was a hard-working coach, but figures like ‘Zico’ undermined him.”
Akwany’s views were shared by Tonny Otieno, who wrote: “This coach was giving his all, but internal influences compromised his efforts and led the team to this position.”
Geofrey James remarked: “Sacking Mihic while keeping ‘Zico’ is ludicrous,” while George Obadha offered: “It shows professionalism on the coach’s part, as he refused to engage in disputes with his juniors. Yet, management should have defended him when he raised concerns of being sabotaged.”
“Instead of dismissing the two assistants, you’ve chosen to part ways with Mihic without just cause,” Wuod Loi Jamakosa remarked, while Dickie Dick added: “Zico is the issue; if that’s not addressed, any change will be superficial.”
Muli Okong’o suggested: “Those two assistants should have been dismissed before the head coach,” while Otieno Nelson commented: “The head coach should have the authority to select his assistants; that’s how top clubs operate. This situation is highly unprofessional. Mihic had a winning mindset.”
Currently, Gor Mahia sits third in the 18-team league standings, accumulating 54 points, trailing the leaders, Kenya Police, who are at 61 points. K’Ogalo’s upcoming matches include a clash against AFC Leopards in the Mashemeji derby, Ulinzi Stars, and Kenya Police.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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