Gor Mahia Retains Zedekiah Otieno as Head Coach for the Season
This decision comes after an impressive run by Otieno, who took over in November 2024 following the dismissal of Brazilian coach Leonardo Neiva.
Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier announced the continuity of interim Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno with the club. Photo/Pulse Sports.
Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier has announced that interim coach Zedekiah “Zico” Otieno will continue leading the team as head coach for the remainder of the 2024/25 season.
This decision comes after an impressive run by Otieno, who took over in November 2024 following the dismissal of Brazilian coach Leonardo Neiva.
Rachier praised Otieno’s performance, stating, “We are convinced that our interim coach Zedekiah Otieno is doing well with the team. As of now, we are not hiring a new head coach.”
Otieno’s appointment came after Neiva’s departure left a void in the club’s technical bench. Having previously served as Neiva’s assistant, Otieno stepped in and has since guided the team to a commendable record of five wins, one draw, and two losses.
This form has lifted Gor Mahia to third place in the league standings with 24 points, just three behind leaders KCB, and with a game in hand.
Despite receiving over 40 applications from foreign coaches, Gor Mahia’s management opted to retain Otieno and his assistant, Michael Nam, for the rest of the season.
According to Rachier, the club will evaluate their performance at the end of the campaign before making any further decisions.
“We have decided to give the interim coaches time. Come the end of the season, we shall gauge their performance before we can make a new decision. But if they meet our expectations, we will surely not need a foreign coach,” said Rachier.
Club official Ronald Ngala echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the value of a local coach who understands the dynamics of Kenyan football.
“According to me, Zico is doing well, and I think the club needs to give him time. Better a local coach who understands local players as opposed to a foreigner who can take time to understand the boys,” Ngala remarked in a recent interview.
Otieno’s success so far has reinvigorated Gor Mahia, raising hopes for a strong finish to the season.
Fans and stakeholders will be closely monitoring the team’s performance as they aim to reclaim the league title and cement their place as one of Kenya’s top football clubs.
With this vote of confidence, Zico now has the opportunity to prove his mettle and solidify his legacy with the record Kenyan Premier League champions.
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