Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno has been confirmed as the interim head coach of Gor Mahia until the end of the current season, following a positive reception from the club’s leadership. Zico took over in November 2024 after the departure of Brazilian coach Leonardo Neiva, whose tenure was marred by internal conflicts, player dissatisfaction, and poor performance. These issues ultimately led to Neiva’s sacking, but Zico’s arrival has brought stability to the team.
Gor Mahia’s chairman, Ambrose Rachier, expressed confidence in Zico’s abilities, noting that the former international full-back has shown promise since assuming the role. Rachier emphasized that the club is not in a rush to hire a new permanent coach, as Zico has managed to steer the team back on track with impressive results. Under his guidance, Gor Mahia has achieved five wins, one draw, and two losses, bringing the team to within three points of the FKF Premier League leaders, KCB, with 24 points from 14 matches.
Zico’s coaching pedigree is well established, having previously managed several teams, including the Kenyan national team, Harambee Stars, and clubs such as Sofapaka, KCB, and Gor Mahia. His experience at the helm of top clubs in Kenya has earned him respect in the local football scene, and his ability to turn around Gor Mahia’s fortunes has been noted by the club’s management.
Rachier further explained that the club is content with the current arrangement and will evaluate Zico’s performance at the end of the season. If he meets the club’s expectations, there will be no need to bring in a foreign coach. This approach reflects the club’s desire to give the interim coach ample time to prove himself and to avoid rushing into a decision that could disrupt the team’s progress.
The decision to keep Zico as interim coach also reflects the club’s current priorities. After a period of uncertainty and underperformance, Gor Mahia is focused on achieving stability and improving its position in the league. The team’s recent form under Zico has been encouraging, and there is a sense of optimism that the coach can lead them to a successful finish to the season.
Gor Mahia, with its rich history and record as the most successful club in Kenyan football, is always under scrutiny, and the pressure on the coach is immense. However, Zico has shown that he can handle the demands of managing a high-profile team. His leadership will be crucial in ensuring that the club continues to perform well and remains competitive in the league.
The club’s decision to stick with Zico until the end of the season allows both the management and the coach to assess their goals and expectations more clearly. The evaluation will consider the team’s performance, the coach’s tactical decisions, and his ability to manage the players and maintain harmony within the squad.
In conclusion, Zico’s tenure as interim head coach of Gor Mahia will continue until the season’s end, with the club committed to giving him the time to prove his worth. If his performance meets expectations, the possibility of him being appointed as the permanent head coach is high, which could mark the beginning of a new chapter for the club.
