Neiva blames politics, safety fears for Gor Mahia exit
The Brazilian tactician claimed that his sacking was "planned and premeditated.
Leonardo Martins Neiva, the former Gor Mahia head coach, has broken his silence following his unexpected exit from the club.
He offered a fiery explanation that sheds light on the behind-the-scenes turmoil at Kenya’s most successful football team.
Neiva, who joined Gor Mahia on July 1, 2024, found himself out of the role just a few months later amid poor results and growing pressure from both fans and internal club politics.
Speaking out for the first time since his departure, the Brazilian tactician claimed that his sacking was "planned and premeditated," suggesting that a combination of unsafe working conditions and political maneuvering within the club led to his downfall.
"Despite the challenges on the pitch, I was committed to turning things around. But there were forces within the club that never gave me a fair chance," Neiva stated.
"Some individuals worked actively against me, and I began to fear for my personal safety."
His concerns were not unfounded. After a string of disappointing results—including a 2-1 defeat to Nairobi City Stars and a 2-2 draw with Murang’a Seal—Neiva was reportedly attacked by angry fans.
The incidents, he said, were the tipping point.
"I couldn’t continue working in an environment where I felt physically threatened. Coaching should be tough, yes, but not dangerous," he added.
Under Neiva, Gor Mahia had a shaky start to the FKF Premier League campaign and suffered early elimination from the CAF Champions League, leaving the club in 12th place in the standings—a rare position for the 20-time league champions.
Despite the turbulent ending, Neiva expressed gratitude to club chairman Ambrose Rachier, who he said treated him with respect from day one. "Chairman Rachier was professional and supportive. I will always be thankful for his leadership," Neiva said.
In the wake of his exit, assistant coaches Zedekiah "Zico" Otieno and Michael Nam have taken over the team on an interim basis as Gor Mahia begins its search for a new head coach.
Neiva’s revelations paint a picture of a club grappling with internal unrest and highlight the challenges of managing one of Africa’s most historic football institutions, where the pressure to win is only matched by the politics off the pitch.
Earlier in the week, K'Ogalo parted ways with coach Sinisa Mihic over unclear reasons.
"We have parted ways with head coach Sinisa Mihic on mutual agreement; the two assistants to take charge on interim basis," said a club statement.
The controversial Croatian leaves the club after only three months, having signed with the record 21-time KPL champions on February 3, 2025.
