Gor Mahia head coach Leonardo Neiva is optimistic that his team can bounce back from their disappointing exit from the CAF Champions League and turn their focus to winning the Kenyan Premier League (KPL).
The Brazilian tactician believes the tough experience on the continental stage has provided his squad with important lessons they can use to push for domestic success.
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The 19-time Kenyan champions had a difficult run in the CAF Champions League, leading to their early exit, which was a major disappointment for the club and their passionate fan base.
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Despite this, Neiva remains confident that the team can channel the lessons learned from their continental campaign into a successful league challenge.
“We can’t keep dwelling on the past,” Neiva said when addressing the team’s CAF Champions League exit. “The tournament gave us crucial exposure and valuable knowledge about playing at a higher level. Now, we have to redirect that energy into winning the KPL and focus on what lies ahead.”
Gor Mahia’s KPL campaign has been delayed due to their involvement in the CAF Champions League, with two of their league fixtures being rescheduled.
However, the team is now ready to kick off their domestic league campaign in earnest with a fixture against Mathare United on Saturday.
Mathare, who have struggled to find form and are yet to win a match this season, present a vital opportunity for Gor Mahia to start their KPL season on a high note.
Neiva is determined to make a strong comeback after the disappointing Champions League run, and the coach is keen to ensure his team bounces back swiftly.
“We want to bring the same level of energy, effort, and commitment to the Premier League that we displayed in the Champions League. The local competition is our next goal, and we will do everything within our power to succeed,” Neiva said.
Despite Neiva’s optimism, Gor Mahia is facing some internal challenges that could impact their KPL title ambitions.
Reports have emerged of discord within the squad, with several senior players allegedly unhappy with the coach’s leadership style.
Right-back Rooney Onyango, who has been in impressive form for both club and country, is said to have clashed with Neiva after being played out of position as a center forward during a critical match.
This decision reportedly did not sit well with Onyango, leading to his exclusion from the squad for disciplinary reasons.
“Rooney is a right-back, and everyone knows that’s where he plays best. Playing him as a center forward was a strange decision, and it’s no surprise there was tension after that,” a source within the team stated. Onyango’s exclusion has raised eyebrows, especially as he had recently displaced captain Philemon Otieno in the starting lineup due to his standout performances.
Midfielder Austin Odhiambo, the reigning KPL Most Valuable Player, has also reportedly fallen out with Neiva. Odhiambo was left out of the squad for the Cecafa Kagame Cup, sparking speculation that not all is well between the star midfielder and his coach.
Additionally, tensions within the squad have been fueled by dissatisfaction over how financial incentives are distributed.
Some players feel that they contribute more to the team’s success but are not rewarded fairly when prize money and bonuses are shared. “There’s a feeling among some players that their contributions aren’t appreciated as much as they should be, especially when it comes to sharing incentives,” a player revealed anonymously.
While these internal challenges pose potential problems, Neiva remains focused on guiding Gor Mahia toward KPL success. He acknowledges that the CAF Champions League provided the team with a chance to learn and grow, particularly after facing tougher and more experienced opponents like Al Ahly.
“The experience in the Champions League was important. We played against top-level teams with better resources, training facilities, and stadiums. It’s clear that Gor Mahia is not yet on that level, but with proper planning and development, we can strive to reach those heights,” Neiva stated.
Neiva’s long-term vision for the club involves improving the team’s structure, investing in better training facilities, and building a team capable of competing on both domestic and international stages. However, in the immediate term, his priority is to lead the team to KPL glory.
“We’ve learned that we can’t compare ourselves to the Al Ahlys of this world just yet, but the lessons we took away from those games will be invaluable in helping us achieve our goals in the local competition,” he added.
