![](\"https:\/\/gormahia.net\/images\/ze-maria-chat.jpg\")
\nDespite coach Steve Pollack vehemently denying that he was leaving, there are numerous reports that he has indeed been replaced by Ze Maria<\/p>\n
\nDespite coach Steve Pollack vehemently denying that he was leaving, there are numerous reports that he has indeed been replaced by Ze Maria<\/p>\n
Additional reporting from goal.com
\n The KPL heavyweights are set to confirm the former KF Tirana tactician as the new man in charge as Steven Polack has left the country<\/p>\n
Jose Marcelo Ferreira (Ze Maria) is expected to be appointed Gor Mahia\u2019s head coach, Goal can exclusively reveal.<\/p>\n
Rumours of the Brazilian\u2019s return to the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) has gathered speed over the past few days and now a source close to K\u2019Ogalo has intimated he is set to be appointed as a coach again.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnless something big or very special happens, Ze Maria is the new coach,\u201d the source revealed.
\nEditors’ Picks<\/p>\n
\u201cGor Mahia have been in the market for a few weeks searching for a new coach since they were sure Polack will not be part of them going forward.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe hierarchy settled on Ze Maria unanimously because of his previous experience and of course his undoubted love for our team.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am saying the office settled on him unanimously because the new officials are working with unity since it is a lean office compared to the previous one.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ze Maria\u2019s news comes just a day after coach Steven Polack requested for a 10-day holiday before the 2020\/21 season begins.<\/p>\n
A source close to Gor Mahia told Goal that Polack has left his role after he tabled a few needs he wanted the club to sort out before the new campaign begins.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are aware of how the previous coaches took holidays only to confirm their resignation while away from the club. Take it from me brother, he [Polack] is not returning,\u201d the source said in regard to the Polack issue.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe asked for a one-way ticket and all pending salaries before he left and this is the reason I am telling you he is gone. He had issues which seems are not going to be resolved any time soon.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat is why he has left.\u201d<\/p>\n
In a recent interview, the former Inter Milan and Levante right-back-cum-midfielder Ze Maria revealed how coaching Gor Mahia was an exciting role.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was the biggest club in Kenya, so every game was like managing Flamengo or Corinthians in Brazil. The stadium was packed,\u201d Ze Maria said then.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere were difficulties. Sometimes you go to a stadium where the players don\u2019t all fit in the changing room, so you have to change on the bus.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut the passion is absurd. African players are technically similar to Brazilians, but they lack opportunities to move to bigger leagues.<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause of the pitches, when you dribble, the ball would bounce a metre up in the air, but the quality with which they controlled and conducted it, not even a Brazilian would do that.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Brazilian succeeded Frank Nuttall, who had led K\u2019Ogalo to the 2015 KPL title with an unbeaten record, but resigned in 2017 abruptly before joining KF Tirana.<\/p>\n
He exited the club after it had just won the SportPesa Super Cup and were on top of the KPL table with 27 points.<\/p>\n
Although Ze Maria could be appointed soon, Polack has maintained he will travel back and resume his duties.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am not a coward to leave and not to come back. I have a two-way ticket; after finishing my business with family at home, Gor Mahia will be my next step in preparations for the 2020\/21 KPL season,\u201d the Finnish coach told Goal.<\/p>\n