Former Gor Mahia coach Dylan Kerr has firmly addressed the growing speculations surrounding the vacant coaching role at the Kenyan football giant, confirming that he has no intention of returning to the club. Despite the strong appeal from a section of Gor Mahia’s fanbase, who believe that Kerr’s return would help restore the club’s fortunes, the Englishman has clarified that he is not interested in resuming his previous role.
Kerr’s tenure at Gor Mahia, which spanned from 2017 to 2018, was marked by success and significant achievements that endeared him to the club’s supporters. In his first season, Kerr guided the team to the Kenyan Premier League title, a feat he repeated in 2018. His impact didn’t stop there, as he also led the team to win the Kenyan Super Cup and the SportPesa Super Cup, further bolstering his reputation. Moreover, Kerr’s tenure at Gor Mahia saw the club make history by qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup group stages, a milestone that was cherished by both the fans and the club. These successes created a deep bond between Kerr and the supporters, and many saw him as the ideal candidate to lead the team back to its glory days, particularly after the abrupt departure of Brazilian coach Leonardo Neiva.
Neiva’s exit came after a series of disappointing results, with the coach having managed just six matches before parting ways with the club. This left a void in the Gor Mahia coaching setup, sparking speculation that Kerr, now a free agent, could return to help stabilize the team. However, Kerr has decisively ruled out any possibility of taking up the role again. He emphasized that his decision is driven by respect for the club’s chairman, Ambrose Rachier, and his desire not to disrupt the club’s ongoing leadership.
Kerr’s decision not to return is a blow to the fans who had hoped for a familiar face to revive the team’s fortunes. While acknowledging his love for the club and its chairman, Kerr made it clear that he had “had his time” at Gor Mahia and would not be coming back. In an interview, he stated, “For now, I’ve not spoken to anyone from the club, but in any case, no, I won’t come back, and they won’t come for me.” This statement left little room for interpretation and signaled the end of any hopes of a reunion between Kerr and Gor Mahia.
Following his departure from Gor Mahia, Kerr continued his coaching career, which has been marked by a series of notable stints at clubs in South Africa. His coaching journey included a brief but impactful tenure with Black Leopards, where he became the first coach in a decade to win the Coach of the Month award. Kerr played a pivotal role in saving the club from relegation during his time there. He also had stints with Baroka FC, where his time ended controversially due to a dispute with the club’s chairman, though he won a legal case against the club over the matter. Kerr returned to Black Leopards and continued to help the team avoid relegation.
In 2021, Kerr moved to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila, where he won the prestigious Nedbank Cup, further proving his ability to deliver under pressure. His stint at Moroka Swallows was another example of his managerial resilience, as he guided the club through a dramatic relegation escape via the playoffs. However, his most recent position at Marumo Gallants was cut short after only three weeks due to disagreements with the management over the appointment of a co-coach, leading to his resignation.
With Kerr now out of the picture, Gor Mahia’s search for a new coach continues. In the interim, assistant coaches Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno and Michael Nam have been given temporary control of the team as the club looks for a permanent replacement. The fans’ hope remains that the new coach will be able to build on the legacy Kerr left behind and restore Gor Mahia to its former glory.
Despite the setbacks, the Gor Mahia faithful hold on to the belief that their club will find its way back to the top, whether with a new face at the helm or through the continued efforts of those already in charge.
