Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League champions Gor Mahia have sacked head coach Leonardo Neiva after a poor start to the season.
Gor, in an official club statement on November 13, announced the termination of Neiva’s contract after a run of consecutive losses that has seen the defending champions languishing in 12th place in this season’s FKF Premier League table after six matches.
The club said it invoked a clause in the Brazilian’s two-year contract to terminate his services, adding that assistant coaches Zedekiah Otieno and Michael Nam will oversee the club in the interim.
46-year-old Neiva was appointed on July 1 to replace Johnathan McKinstry, whose contract had expired and opted to join the Gambian national team.
“The decision was made after the club management invoked a contractual clause leading to the end of the coach’s tenure immediately,” said part of the statement from the club signed by Gor Mahia CEO Ray Oruo.
“The club begins the search for a new head coach who embodies the values and the aspirations of the club. He will bring renewed energy and strategic insights to the team.”
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Gor Mahia have fired the coach ahead of the Mashemeji Derby against AFC Leopards on November 24 when the league resumes after the international break.
Leonardo Neiva at Gor Mahia
Neiva has overseen 13 matches, winning only three matches, drawing the same number and losing seven.
The Brazilian coach was notably in charge during K’Ogalo’s exit in the Caf Champions League in the second preliminary round after a 6-0 aggregate defeat to Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
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In addition, things haven’t been easy for Neiva the FKF Premier League.
The Brazilian was attacked by fans after their 2-1 loss to Nairobi City Stars on October 28, before being assaulted again after their 2-2 draw against Murang’a Seal on November 2 at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.
He was also on the receiving end when Gor lost 2-0 to Bandari at the Ukunda Grounds in Kwale on Wednesday last week.
Leonardo and several of the technical bench crew were whisked to safety by club stewards and the security operators even as plastic seats kept flying, targeting the Brazilian tactician.
It forced the police officers manning the game to lob tear gas canisters in the air to disperse the rowdy fans.
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