Update: Gor Mahia name Brazilian as new coach

Update

Gor Mahia have formally announced the arrival of the new coach

“We are excited to announce the arrival of our new coach Roberto Oliveira from Brazil. He has had long coaching experience in Africa thus making him more conversant with African football. We think he will be a great asset in our quest to achieve better results on the field,” Gor chairman Ambrose Rachier is quoted as saying by the club portal.

Robertinho said he was happy to join Kogalo and wants to make a mark on the continental scene

“After leaving Rayon Sports, I got three offers to come back to Africa but I turned them down…. When Gor Mahia came knocking, I couldn’t turn it down because I like the club…. I like their style because I have seen Gor Mahia play many times and even had a tie against them in Caf competition. I am happy to be offered the chance to coach the team,” said Roberto.

“Gor Mahia have won everything in local competitions and it is about time to make a mark in Caf competitions. It will take the collective effort of players, technical staff, and management to achieve what we want. I believe it can be done.” he said

Original Story

Gor Mahia are set to name a Brazilian as the new coach following the departure of Steve Polack

Additional reporting from the Nation

Gor Mahia are expected on Saturday to name Brazilian Roberto Oliveira Goncalves do Carmo as the new coach after parting ways with British tactician Steven Polack on mutual consent.

The 60-year-old former Brazian striker, popularly known as Robertinho, has been coaching in Africa for the last 15 years with stints in Tunia, Angola and most recently Rayon Sports of Rwanda.

Club Secretary General Sam Ochola confirmed that the club will unveil a new coach but didn’t divulge the name of the tactician who he said will be unveiled at the club offices by midday.

However, sources withing the club revealed to Nation Sport that Oliveira will be the new K’Ogalo tactician.

“We settled on Oliviera after earlier attempts to bring back former Gor coach José Marcelo Ferreira hit adead end. Oliveira is already in the country,” the source said.

Polack was in charge of the team in the virus-halted season after taking over from Turkish-Cypriot Hassan Oktay.

The Briton coach and the club parted way on mutual consent after being at the helm of the club for one year.

Polack left the country on September 12 for holiday with his family back in Finland and promised to be back to continue with its duties.

He had earlier urged the club to pay the players all their salary arrears in anticipation for the new season. Gor have signed 14 new players ahead of the new season.

“We are in receipt of your resignation letter dated October 8, 2020 as Gor Mahia coach. Much as this is happening, we also respect the reasons that you have pointed out to occasion your action,” the club staid in a statement.

“As a club we will miss you among us greatly, especially your impeccable coaching abilities social cohesion and excitement you brought to the Gor Mahia fraternity.”

The 58-year-old thanked the club, players and technical bench.

“The club and I have come to mutual agreement to terminate my contract due to economic downturn and coronavirus pandemic which is not only affecting Gor Mahia. I would like to say thank you to the club for giving me opportunity to coach Gor Mahia,” said Polack.

Polack joined Gor Mahia in September 2019 as a replacement for Oktay who left to sort out family issues only to resign from his home land.

He won the Sports Journalist Association of Kenya (SJAK) Coach of the Month Award for September, October and February.

The trend of coaches leaving Gor Mahia while on holiday is not new. Former coaches Dylan Kerr, Oktay, José Marcelo Ferreira – fondly known as Ze Maria – all left for their holidays and never came back.