Gor Mahia head coach Sinisa Mihic has expressed the challenges of implementing an entertaining, possession-based style of play in Kenyan football, citing the poor condition of pitches as a major obstacle.
His comments come after Gor Mahia’s 2-1 comeback victory over Mathare United at Dandora Stadium, marking a successful start to his six-month tenure. The Croatian coach emphasized that while he aims to play an attacking brand of football, the current state of most pitches forces teams to adopt a more direct and tactical approach.
Pitch Conditions Limiting Stylish Play
Mihic, who holds a UEFA Pro License and has extensive coaching experience in Sudan, Libya, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, explained how the rough and uneven pitches disrupt fluid passing football. He noted that his players struggle to execute their game plan due to unpredictable ball movement and the difficulty in maintaining control.
“On that kind of a pitch, when the ball is jumping too much and moving unpredictably, it is very difficult to play your game,” Mihic stated. “You have to adapt and play tactical football, which is what we did after making some changes. Fresh legs, especially in the wide areas, made a difference.”
The coach pointed out that his team must play more direct and offensive football to be effective. However, the poor pitch conditions make it nearly impossible to execute quick, clinical passing sequences.
“You can only play good football on a good pitch, but here, it’s a big no. One pass, then a second chance to control it, and before you know it, you’ve lost the ball,” he added.
Tactical Adjustments for Success
Despite the limitations, Mihic stressed the importance of adapting to circumstances. The need for a tactical masterclass is crucial in ensuring that Gor Mahia remains competitive. While he acknowledges that beautiful football is an appealing prospect, he insists that winning must come first.
The coach’s remarks highlight a broader issue affecting Kenyan football: the lack of high-quality playing surfaces. Many teams struggle to impose a possession-based style due to bumpy pitches that force a shift toward long balls and physical battles rather than technical finesse.
Mihic’s sentiments resonate with many local football stakeholders who have long called for improvements in stadium infrastructure. With Kenya set to co-host AFCON 2027, efforts to upgrade facilities are already underway, but in the meantime, teams must continue adapting to less-than-ideal conditions.
Gor Mahia’s Title Ambitions Stay Alive
The victory over Mathare United helped Gor Mahia close the gap on league leaders Kenya Police FC and Tusker, who are both on 38 points. K’Ogalo now sit just four points behind with a record of 10 wins, four draws, and five defeats.
The result revived their title ambitions, providing renewed hope in their bid to defend the FKF Premier League title. With a crucial fixture against Bidco FC coming up on Wednesday, the team will be looking to build on their momentum and keep their championship hopes alive.
As the season progresses, Mihic will continue working on maximizing his squad’s potential despite the challenges. Whether Gor Mahia can overcome these hurdles and reclaim their dominance remains to be seen, but the coach remains committed to finding tactical solutions that ensure his team remains competitive.
