Tension is brewing at record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia ahead of their crucial FKF Premier League match against KCB FC, following a dramatic fallout between head coach Sinisa Mihic and three key members of his technical bench. The Croatian tactician, who joined the club only a few months ago, has sensationally expelled his two assistants, Zedekiah “Zico” Otieno and Michael Nam, as well as long-serving team manager Victor Nyaoro.
The sudden decision has left the football fraternity stunned and added pressure ahead of Sunday’s high-stakes showdown at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.
Coach Mihic Accuses Staff of Sabotage and Blackmail
In a heated exchange reported by local media, Coach Mihic did not mince his words. He accused the trio of actively sabotaging his work and undermining his authority within the team. According to him, their behaviour has crossed professional boundaries and can no longer be tolerated.
“There is no way I’m going to work with them because I can’t be blackmailed. These are people I’ve tried to work with—I even lent them money. I’ve also used my own resources to support some of our activities out of goodwill. Why are they sabotaging and fighting me?” Mihic said, speaking to the Daily Nation.
The coach expressed frustration with internal conflicts that he believes are derailing the team’s focus and performance.
Team Selection Sparks Internal Power Struggles
At the heart of the fallout lies a major disagreement over team selection. Mihic claims that certain members of the technical bench have been exerting pressure on him to include specific foreign players in the starting lineup—players he believes are underperforming or not adhering to tactical instructions.
“I can’t allow influence to dictate my decisions. I won’t field players who fail to follow instructions,” Mihic firmly stated. “In fact, some Kenyan players are performing better than the foreigners I’m being pressured to play.”
This has reportedly led to a power struggle behind the scenes, with Mihic standing his ground on picking the team based on merit rather than external influence or politics.
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Mihic Calls for Professionalism and Discipline
The 51-year-old tactician, who has served as an assistant coach in various European clubs, said he had never encountered such internal sabotage in his career. He pointed out that coaching differences are normal, but the level of resistance and politics he is facing at Gor Mahia is “unacceptable.”
“I’ve served as an assistant coach at various clubs, but I’ve never witnessed or exhibited the kind of conduct I’m seeing from some of my colleagues. It’s unacceptable,” he said.
Mihic has emphasised that for Gor Mahia to compete at the highest level, the team must operate with professionalism, respect, and unity behind the scenes.
Crucial KCB Match Looms Amid Turmoil
Gor Mahia currently sit third in the FKF Premier League table with 43 points from 24 matches. Their Sunday clash against KCB, who are fourth with 40 points, is shaping up to be a must-win for both teams. However, the internal tensions could pose a distraction to the squad’s preparations and mental focus.
Inside Training at the Utalii Sports Grounds as we prepare to take on KCB FC.@SportPesa @Tujiamini #SportpesaNaGor #Sirkal #KOgalo pic.twitter.com/zB0qMH0Oj9
— Gor Mahia FC Ke (@gormahiafcke) April 4, 2025
The match in Machakos is expected to attract a sizable crowd, with fans eager to see how the team performs amid the coaching storm. Gor Mahia will be under immense pressure to get back to winning ways after a patchy run of form that has seen them drop valuable points in recent weeks.
Gor Mahia’s Season in the Balance
As the league season enters its final stretch, Gor Mahia must rally and maintain composure to avoid slipping further down the standings. The club, with its rich history and passionate fanbase, has consistently been a title contender, but off-pitch drama is threatening to derail their campaign.
The management now faces a dilemma: back the coach and enforce discipline within the ranks or risk deepening divisions by failing to address the underlying tensions. Mihic’s public stance signals that he is unwilling to compromise on professionalism, and the ball is now in the court of club officials to restore order.
