Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno is under intense pressure following another disappointing loss for Gor Mahia, a 1-0 defeat to Kenya Police on Saturday, which triggered chaos among the club’s passionate supporters. The loss marked Gor Mahia’s third defeat in the current season, following earlier setbacks against Bandari FC and Bidco United. The team’s continuing poor form has fueled growing discontent among fans, culminating in violent protests after the match. The fans’ frustration has been building for months, and Otieno now finds himself in a precarious position as the club’s acting coach.
The situation took a dramatic turn after the final whistle, with fans expressing their anger in no uncertain terms. Stones were thrown, and both a Kenya Police player and a fan were injured in the ensuing chaos. The fans, who had already been vocal in their dissatisfaction with the club’s performance, demanded an explanation from the club’s chairman, Ambrose Rachier, and chanted slogans calling for immediate changes to the technical bench.
This incident is the latest in a series of events that have left Gor Mahia’s leadership under fire. The club’s struggles began earlier in the season, but the departure of Brazilian coach Leonardo Neiva in mid-November, after a series of disappointing results, was expected to provide a fresh start. However, since Otieno took over as acting coach, the team’s fortunes have not improved. The loss to Kenya Police was the third consecutive time that Otieno and his technical staff had to flee from angry fans, further deepening the sense of frustration among the supporters.
Fans had already called for Otieno’s resignation after a shock 1-0 loss to Bidco United, and their displeasure was compounded by a 1-1 draw with the same team just days later. The loss to Kenya Police, however, was a tipping point, as Gor Mahia slipped to sixth place in the league, with only 17 points from 12 matches. The fans, who have always held high expectations for the 21-time Kenyan champions, are now openly questioning the competence of the technical bench and the club’s management.
In the aftermath of the match, Otieno and his players attempted to avoid direct confrontation with the angry fans by using a rear exit from the stadium. However, this only fueled the fans’ anger, as many had gathered at the main entrance to voice their grievances. One anonymous fan expressed their frustration, stating, “We are tired of excuses. We love Gor Mahia, but this technical bench is not helping the club. Zico must resign and the management should find a competent coach before it’s too late!”
The anger is not only directed at Otieno. Club chairman Ambrose Rachier has also come under heavy criticism from the fans, who accuse him of poor decision-making and a lack of accountability in addressing the team’s struggles. Rachier’s leadership has been questioned, with many fans calling for a complete overhaul of the management to restore the club’s former glory.
On the pitch, Gor Mahia has shown glimpses of their attacking potential but has struggled to convert opportunities into goals. The team’s lack of tactical coherence and the psychological toll on the players have been cited as major factors behind their decline. Despite having the resources and talent to succeed, Gor Mahia has been unable to translate their potential into consistent performances, leaving the fans disillusioned and angry.
The pressure on Otieno is immense, and it seems that his time as acting coach may be running out. While some fans continue to support him, believing that he deserves more time to turn things around, the majority are calling for a change. The club’s leadership is at a crossroads, with a growing divide between the fans and the management. The supporters’ demands for a new coach and a complete overhaul of the technical bench reflect their desperation for a turnaround.
For Gor Mahia, it is not just about football; it is a battle to restore pride, stability, and the trust of their passionate fanbase. The club’s reputation and future are on the line, and the next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether they can regain their footing or continue to slide further into turmoil. The fans, who have always been the lifeblood of the club, are sending a clear message: something must change, and it must happen soon. Whether the leadership will heed their call for change remains to be seen, but the pressure on Zico and the management is only growing with each passing defeat.
