Gor Mahia’s Interim Coach, Zedekiah Otieno “Zico,” has expressed his belief that K’Ogalo are still in the race to defend their league title, despite a sluggish start to the season.
Zico took over Gor Mahia after the club sacked their Brazilian tactician, Leo Neiva, earlier in October.
Since assuming the interim role, the 56-year-old has remained unbeaten in his two matches, securing a 2-0 victory over Kakamega Homeboyz in his debut that was followed by a 2-0 win against Mara Sugar and narrowly winning 3-2 against Talanta FC.
Speaking after the match against Talanta FC on Wednesday, the former Sofapaka head coach, revealed that it was the toughest match they have played so far out of the nine matches they have contested this season.
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“I think this is the toughest match that we have played so far, looking at the dynamics. We have traveled over 1,000 km, so this was going to be our most difficult match. In the second half, they played a different brand of football that disorganized our play,” Zico said after the match at the Dandora Stadium.
He further explained the reason why Gor Mahia conceded the two goals, and why FC Talanta were close to equalizing the game.
“We did not underrate them; it was just a moment in the game. I think we lost concentration, and they took advantage of that. The penalty they were given was very easy.”
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However, Zico still believes the team is in the race to defend its championship, as this was the objective from the time of Leo Neiva’s appointment. Therefore, even after his sacking, nothing has changed regarding their goal.
“I think for us as a team, our objective remains the same. When we joined Gor Mahia with the former coach Leo, our objective was to make sure that the team retains the league. The objective is not lost; it is still there,” he added.
He further stated that Leonardo Neiva created a good system for the club, which he is trying to build upon.
“I am happy for the coach; he made a very good foundation, and we are building on that foundation he left,” he reiterated.
Gor Mahia are currently in fourth place after nine matches, with two in hand, having earned 17 points—just five points behind league leaders KCB. Zico’s side will host Bidco United on Sunday evening at Kenyatta stadium before taking on Shabana in a rescheduled match on Wednesday.
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