Coach Mihic apologizes for expelling assistant coaches

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Report from Flashscore

Gor Mahia head coach Sinisa Mihic has come out to apologise for his actions that led to the fallout with club assistant coaches Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno and Michael Nam on what he termed as “sabotaging my work.”

The 48-year-old Croat tactician reportedly expelled the two coaches alongside team manager Victor Nyaoro, who is a long-serving member of the record Kenyan champions, from the team’s training session on Friday, April 4th, ahead of their crucial FKF Premier League fixture against KCB at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, on April 6th, Sunday.

Speaking on his decision, Mihic said as quoted by Daily Nation: “There is no way I’m going to work with them because I can’t be blackmailed. These are people I’ve tried to work with - I even lent them money. I’ve also used my own resources to support some of our activities out of goodwill. Why are they sabotaging and fighting me.”

He added: “I can’t allow influence to dictate my decisions. I won’t field players who fail to follow instructions. In fact, some Kenyan players are performing better than the foreigners I’m being pressured to play.

“I’ve served as an assistant coach at various clubs, but I’ve never witnessed or exhibited the kind of conduct I’m seeing from some of my colleagues. It’s unacceptable.”

Later, Gor Mahia issued a statement to confirm that there was indeed tension between Mihic and the three club officials but promised to have the problem ironed out before they face the Bankers.

A statement from the club titled “Attention K’Ogalo Fans”, read in part: “News circulating on social media about a fallout between coach Sinisa Mihic and the technical bench hold some truth.

“The coach reportedly feels that the technical bench is backstabbing him and sabotaging his efforts with certain players. He accused his two assistants, Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno and Michael (Nam), along with team manager Victor Nyaoro, of pressuring him to play some foreign players, whom he believes do not deserve a place in the squad, at the expense of local talent.”

The statement concluded; “That said, the club will act swiftly to resolve the differences. We urge all K’Ogalo fans to remain calm. Our able chairman, Ambrose Rachier is a real leader. He often stands out during such moments. Believe in this team.”

When reached for comment, Gor Mahia Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Raymond Oruo confirmed the war of words between Mihic and the three club officials but remained optimistic that the issue will be solved amicably.

“I can only say there is an internal push and pull but all will be sorted,” Oruo told Flashscore, when reached out to shed more light over the matter.
Mihic (left) has made a good start as Gor Mahia manager
Mihic (left) has made a good start as Gor Mahia managerGor Mahia Media
Mihic vows to work with everyone

However, in a quick turnaround of events on Saturday, April 5th, Mihic came out to admit that he had buried the hatchet with Otieno, Nam and Nyaoro, promising to work together for the betterment of the club.

“I don’t want to touch anyone, I like everyone around, I don’t have any problem with anyone, even if I lose all the games, I don’t want to be personal and attack my colleagues, but what happened is part of football,” Mihic told Flashscore.

“I am perfect, I am not perfect either, but sometimes it happens, and I am one person, who doesn’t like to lose, but anyway, sorry for whatever happened, I don’t hate anyone around, and I know they don’t hate me, even sometimes, they think differently about football (different from my opinion), and it doesn’t matter.

“We need to know each other, tomorrow I will go, and we need to know what we have achieved together as a team, I don’t want to go home without happiness.”
Gor Mahia's upcoming fixtures
Gor Mahia's upcoming fixturesFlashscore
Gor Mahia fans in support of Mihic for ‘expelling’ trio

However, the decision by Mihic drew mixed reactions amongst K’Ogalo faithful with a section of them supporting the coach for the decision he took to expel the three members of the technical bench.

Icon Nakitare said: “Am in support of the coach, you can’t play players who don’t deserve to play,” while Benard Ombogo said: “’Zico’ is good at sabotaging coaches, ‘Zico’ should leave.”

Tony Otieno added: “When Mihic was unveiled as K’Ogalo coach, I wrote that ‘Zico’ will sabotage him, the way he had done before with other coaches, here we go,” while Ingosi Vik said: “That means the three officials were the cartels behind the signing of the foreign players, and they should be kicked out.”

“Insubordination is not acceptable in any organisation,” explained James Okello, while Tony Obiero opined: “They (three officials) want to justify mediocrity in scouting. All those foreign players recruitment was a sham, probably there were some under table deals.”

Steve Qwnks wondered why Gor Mahia did not have similar problems while under coach Johnathan McKinstry and without ‘Zico’ as his assistant: “During McKinstry era we had no such issues, the team was performing well and do you know why there was no ‘Zico’, so he’s the problem,” while George Otieno added: “They should leave the coach to use the players he feels are good.”

Samuel Otieno opined: “I think the club needs to change the assistants. These are the same people who sabotaged Leo Neiva,” while Isaiah Otieno wrote: “Zico has always been given time both as head coach and assistant coach but he’s failed to deliver. If he’s one of the brokers of those foreign players, he will leave with them. He’s not exceptional. What we want is the results.”

Agunda Maurice said: “Zico’ should be shown the door, he was given the chance to lead the team, and all we saw was losses after every game,” while Dickson Manyala concluded: “This Zico; was about to kill Gor Mahia, I don’t know what he is still doing at the club.”

Since taking charge of K’Ogalo, Mihic has overseen six league matches, recording three wins, three draws and remaining unbeaten. He has guided Gor Mahia to score seven goals while conceding only two. K’Ogalo’s goal difference under him stands at +5.