Gor Mahia coach Leonardo Martins Neiva has candidly expressed his apprehensions regarding his team’s prospects in the upcoming CAF Champions League, particularly if they advance to face the formidable Egyptian giants, Al Ahly. Neiva’s concerns stem from the anticipated clash with the defending champions, should Gor Mahia successfully navigate through the first preliminary round against El Merreikh FC Bentiu of South Sudan.
The Preliminary Challenge
In the immediate future, Gor Mahia, affectionately known as K’Ogalo, are set to take on El Merreikh FC Bentiu. The outcome of this match will determine their progression in the tournament. While the South Sudanese club presents a challenge, Neiva’s primary concern lies beyond this initial hurdle.
The Egyptian Giants Await
Should Gor Mahia triumph over El Merreikh FC Bentiu, they will face Al Ahly, a club renowned for its dominance in African football. Al Ahly’s storied history and consistent performance in the CAF Champions League make them a formidable opponent. Neiva is acutely aware of the significant step up in quality that facing Al Ahly represents.
“I hope we can cross over and then we are going to face Al Ahly of Egypt, a giant of African football and they are the favourites,” Neiva remarked during an interview in Dar es Salaam, where Gor Mahia is participating in the Kagame Cup.
Gor Mahia’s absence from international competitions such as the CAF Champions League and the Confederation Cup for the past three years is a concern for Neiva. The Brazilian tactician believes that this lack of exposure at the highest level of African football has left his relatively young squad underprepared for the rigors of such prestigious tournaments.
“At Gor Mahia, it is three years since we played an international competition like CAF Champions League or Confederation Cup, and that is why it is very important to expose our players, especially the young squad that we have, to the better level of continent football,” Neiva explained.
The Kagame Cup, currently taking place in Tanzania, offers a valuable opportunity for Neiva to assess and prepare his team. It also provides him with a chance to scout El Merreikh FC Bentiu, who are also participating in the tournament. “Tomorrow, we are going there to check the game [El Merreikh FC Bentiu] in the Kagame Cup as we start to prepare ourselves for this challenge,” he added.
Neiva’s strategy involves leveraging the Kagame Cup to give his players a taste of high-level competition, which he hopes will better prepare them for the challenges ahead. His focus is on building a team that can compete on equal footing with the top clubs in Africa, emphasizing the importance of patience and time in achieving this goal.
“We need more time,” Neiva urged, calling for patience from the fans and stakeholders as Gor Mahia rebuilds and repositions itself as a competitive force in African football.
Gor Mahia’s journey in the CAF Champions League is fraught with challenges, starting with the preliminary round against El Merreikh FC Bentiu. However, the looming potential clash with Al Ahly is a true test of their mettle. Neiva’s candid acknowledgment of the difficulties ahead reflects his pragmatic approach to building a resilient and competitive team.
As K’Ogalo prepare for their continental campaign, the focus remains on gaining valuable experience, improving team cohesion, and gradually building the competence required to face Africa’s footballing giants. The road to success in the CAF Champions League is arduous, but with strategic planning and exposure, Gor Mahia aims to reclaim its place among Africa’s elite football clubs.
