Dj Vnyash
Gor Mahia fans have exciting reasons to anticipate the Kenyan Premier League season starting in August.
After clinching a record 21st title last season, the iconic Kenyan club is embarking on a vibrant journey to reshape their future with an emphasis on captivating football.
Leonardo Martins Neiva, an accomplished Brazilian coach, is the expert chosen to revamp K’Ogalo’s style of play, which has evolved over time. He believes he has the expertise and flair to achieve this goal.
Shortly after arriving, Neiva expressed a strong desire to introduce the stylish Brazilian Samba play to K’Ogalo, promising fans an exhilarating season filled with dynamic on-field action.
Born in Rio de Janeiro on December 10, 1977, Neiva holds impressive coaching credentials, including a CBF/CONMEBOL Pro Licence earned in 2019.
K’Ogalo’s passionate fan base will look to him to elevate the club to new heights. Neiva, aware of the club’s legacy and the high expectations, understands that failure is not an option.
Gor Mahia has a history of winning titles, but they aim to add some flair to their achievements. The club, named after Gor Wuod Ogada Nyakwar Ogalo (Gor, son of Ogada and grandson of Ogalo), was named after a renowned medicine man famous for his magical skills. Mahia, a Luo word meaning “magic,” reflects the club’s historic success.
While the search for a new coach to replace Jonathan McKinstry continues, club chairperson Ambrose Rachier has stated the aim is to find a tactician who can enhance their trophy collection with continental titles.
The last time Gor Mahia achieved such a feat was in 1987, winning the Africa Cup Winners Cup, now known as the Mandela Cup. They now have a chance to replicate this success by representing Kenya in the Caf Champions League, starting in August.
Neiva has pledged to make an impact in the prestigious annual inter-club tournament, which begins in September. He promised fans an engaging Brazilian style of play but also emphasized the need for a balance between beauty and competitiveness.
Neiva believes that the talented K’Ogalo squad has the depth to compete for a Caf Champions League title. He plans to assess the players to see if they can adapt to his preferred style of play.
Despite a disappointing performance in the 2024 Kagame Cecafa Cup, where K’Ogalo finished last in their group, Neiva remains optimistic about the club’s future, viewing it as a transition period that will ultimately enhance their performance.
The Brazilian manager is committed to making necessary changes and has warned that only dedicated players will be accepted. He stressed the importance of treating each training session with the same seriousness as matches.
Neiva, who joins Gor Mahia on a two-year contract, replaces Jonathan McKinstry, who now coaches the Gambia national team. He hinted at a departure from McKinstry’s build-up style, favoring a more physical game with fast transitions.
He acknowledged McKinstry’s accomplishments and plans to gradually implement his own philosophy.
Neiva, 46, has a strong coaching background with successful tenures at various clubs and national teams. He led Tanzania’s Young Africans SC to the Tanzanian Super Cup and Premier League title in 2014/15 and had a stint with Uganda’s Vipers SC. He also guided Saint Kitts and Nevis to a historic World Cup qualifying achievement.
Neiva’s coaching career spans four continents, including stints in Asia, Africa, North America, and South America. He has worked with clubs like Yadanabon FC in Thailand, Montego Bay United FC in Jamaica, and Platinum Stars FC in South Africa.
A former midfielder who played for various Brazilian and Portuguese teams, Neiva brings a wealth of experience and a fresh approach to Gor Mahia.
