Sunday, June 23, 2024 – Gor Mahia were crowned the 2023/2024 Kenya Premier League champions for the 21st time after defeating Bidco United 4-3 in the final match of the season at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos. That was the last moment when K’Ogalo players and fans were truly elated.
However, the reigning champions have missed the joy Irish tactician Jonathan McKinstry had brought to the club since his arrival in 2022. McKinstry left his post earlier this year to take on an international assignment with The Gambia national team.
In his debut season, McKinstry led Gor Mahia to their 20th league title during a challenging period marked by a FIFA transfer ban.
Later that year, he also secured the FKF Charity Shield and the league title with three matches still to spare.
Play here and stand a chance of winning the over Ksh 395 Million SportPesa Mega Jackpot
After his successful tenure, Gor Mahia began searching for a coach with a similar character and ability to bring trophies, like McKinstry did during his two years at the club.
On July 1, 2024, Gor Mahia unveiled their new head coach, Brazilian Leonardo Martin Neiva, signing him on a reported a two-year deal.
Neiva, a CAF A and UEFA Pro License holder, had previously coached prominent African clubs such as Yanga SC of Tanzania and Al Merrikh of Sudan. His first assignment was the CECAFA Kagame Cup, held in Tanzania and Zanzibar from July 10–28, 2024.
Despite high hopes, the tournament proved disappointing for Gor Mahia. They were placed in Group B alongside Sudan’s Al Hilal, Zambia’s Red Arrows, and Djibouti’s Telecom FC.
Unfortunately, Gor Mahia failed to progress past the group stage, finishing the tournament without a victory. Neiva was now winless in three matches in charge.
As Kenya Premier League champions, Gor Mahia had qualified for the 24/25 CAF Champions League and faced South Sudan’s Al Merrikh-Bentiu in the First Preliminary Round.
In the first leg, they lost 1-0 in Juba, but they made a strong comeback in the second leg at Nyayo Stadium on August 24, winning 5-1. This victory, with an aggregate score of 5-2, sent them through to the second preliminary round.
There, they were drawn against Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
At Nyayo Stadium, Gor Mahia suffered a 3-0 defeat on September 15, and things got worse in Cairo, where they were beaten 3-0 again, exiting the competition with a heavy 6-0 aggregate loss.
With their continental aspirations dashed, Gor Mahia’s focus turned back to the league.
Neiva, who had started addressing disciplinary issues, dropped Rooney Onyango from the starting lineup due to indiscipline.
ALSO READ: Exclusive: Gor Mahia coach Leo Neiva reveals reason behind Ronney Onyango’s omission against Al Ahly
This move seemed to spark a turnaround as Gor Mahia secured their first league win of the 2024/2025 season, a dominant 4-0 victory over Mathare United at Kenyatta Stadium. This was followed by a 3-0 win over Posta Rangers on October 19.
However, the momentum quickly faded as Gor Mahia went four matches without a win.
They were held to a goalless draw by KCB, and Neiva suffered his first league defeat, a 2-1 loss to Nairobi City Stars.
During this period, it emerged that some players had been dropped due to their involvement in unsanctioned activities, including playing for other clubs without the club’s knowledge or approval.
Four players, Paul Ochuoga, Chris Ochieng, Enoch Morrison and Musa Masika, were all axed from the team against Nairobi City Stars.
ALSO READ: Gor Mahia quartet dropped from City Stars game over unprofessional behaviour
The team’s struggles continued with a 2-2 draw against Murang’a SEAL, during which angry fans attacked the coach at the Kenyatta Stadium.
This was followed by a 2-0 loss to Bandari FC in Ukunda. After this disappointing defeat, Gor Mahia’s management decided to part ways with Neiva, even before the postponed Mashemeji Derby. On November 13, 2024, the club officially announced Neiva’s departure after just five months in charge.
ALSO READ Gor Mahia sack Brazilian coach Leo Neiva after just 6 league matches
Following Neiva’s sacking, Gor Mahia appointed assistant coach Zedekiah “Zico” Otieno as interim head coach.
Zico’s tenure has been a rollercoaster with mixed results. However, he managed to win five of his first eight matches in charge, with two defeats, leaving Gor Mahia in fourth place with 24 points.
As we enter 2025, the club continues the search for a new head coach with Zico holding fort meanwhile.
The year 2024 has been one of both highs and lows for Gor Mahia. We can only hope that 2025 will bring more stability and success for the club.
