Leonardo Martins Neiva is no longer the head coach of Gor Mahia.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League club announced on Wednesday, Novermber 13, 2024 that it had parted ways with the Brazilian coach following a series of disappointing results.
“We hereby announce the end of engagement with coach Leo Neiva,” stated the club, led by chairman Ambrose Rachier.
Neiva’s assistants, Michael Nam and Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno, have been appointed to manage the club on an interim basis.
“We thank him for his services and the time spent at the club. Coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno and Michael Nam will take charge on an interim basis. All the best in your future, Coach Leo.”
The 46-year-old Brazilian took over in July 2024, succeeding Irishman Johnathan McKinstry, who had moved on to coach the Gambia national football team. McKinstry left after leading Gor Mahia to their 21st Premier League title in the 2023/2024 season.
Before joining Gor Mahia, Neiva, a Pro License football coach, had managed Ugandan club Vipers SC, Tanzania’s Yanga SC, and Sudan’s Al-Merreikh. Known for his intense, physically demanding style, he had sought to build on McKinstry’s success.
“My style is intense, even in training; you need to train like a game. Modern football is about mixing speed and tactical organisation,” Neiva said during his unveiling.
Despite his ambitions, Gor Mahia’s form slumped, leaving the team 12th in the standings with just 8 points from six matches.
