Gor Mahia Football Club has officially announced that interim coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno will lead the team as head coach for the remainder of the 2024/2025 season. The decision, made by the club’s chairman, Ambrose Rachier, comes after a period of consistent and commendable results under Zico’s leadership since he stepped into the role last November.
Zico was appointed on an interim basis following the dismissal of Brazilian coach Leonardo Neiva. Neiva, who had struggled to deliver the expected results, was relieved of his duties after a series of disappointing performances. Zico, who was one of Neiva’s assistants, was handed the responsibility of steadying the ship, and he has delivered positive results that have earned him the confidence of the club’s management.
“As of now, we are not hiring a new head coach. We are confident in Zedekiah Otieno’s ability to lead the team,” said Rachier. “The results speak for themselves, and we believe he has what it takes to guide us through the rest of the season.”
Under Zico’s guidance, Gor Mahia has recorded five wins, one draw, and two losses. This run of form has elevated the team to third place on the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) table with 24 points. The club is only three points behind current leaders KCB and has a game in hand, giving them a strong position to challenge for the league title.
The impressive results have prompted the club’s management to halt their search for a new coach. Despite receiving over 40 applications from foreign coaches, the board decided to give Zico and his assistant, Michael Nam, a chance to continue leading the team.
“We want to give the current coaching team the opportunity to prove themselves for the rest of the season. At the end of the campaign, we will evaluate their performance. If they meet our expectations, there will be no need to bring in a foreign coach,” Rachier added.
Zico’s appointment has been widely welcomed by various stakeholders in Kenyan football. Ronald Ngala, a former Gor Mahia assistant secretary-general, expressed his support for the decision, emphasizing the advantages of having a local coach who understands the players and the league.
“Zico has been doing well, and I believe he deserves time to build the team further. A local coach who understands the players can have a better impact than a foreign coach who might need time to adapt,” Ngala said.
Zico’s vast experience in Kenyan football also adds to his credibility. He previously served as Gor Mahia’s head coach and has had stints with the national team, Harambee Stars, as well as clubs like KCB and Sofapaka FC. His familiarity with Gor Mahia and the Kenyan Premier League gives him a significant edge in managing the team and extracting the best out of the players.
Zico rejoined Gor Mahia earlier this season after a brief spell with Sofapaka FC, where he served for one season. His return to Gor Mahia has brought stability to the team, and his tactical approach has drawn praise from both fans and analysts.
In addition to his responsibilities at Gor Mahia, Zico is currently serving as an assistant coach for Harambee Stars, the Kenyan national team. He is part of head coach Francis Kimanzi’s technical bench and is currently with the team in Zanzibar, where they are competing in the Mapinduzi Cup 2025.
Despite juggling responsibilities between club and country, Zico has managed to maintain focus and deliver results. His dual role demonstrates his capability and commitment to Kenyan football, further strengthening his case for a permanent appointment at Gor Mahia.
The decision to entrust Zico with the head coach role for the rest of the season highlights Gor Mahia’s faith in his leadership. It also underscores the club’s strategic shift towards relying on local talent, both on and off the pitch.
With Gor Mahia aiming to reclaim their position as the dominant force in Kenyan football, Zico’s task will be to sustain the team’s momentum and challenge for the league title. The club’s management has made it clear that his long-term future will depend on his performance at the end of the season.
For now, Gor Mahia fans can look forward to a continuation of Zico’s tenure, which has already shown promise. The journey ahead is undoubtedly challenging, but with Zico at the helm, the team is poised for a strong finish to the season.
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