Ze Maria’s word: Gor Mahia coach on the defensive as pressure mounts

GOR MAHIA VS TUSKER Gor Mahia Coach Ze Maria react against Tusker during their KPL match at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday 16/04/16.PHOTO:BONIFACE OKENDO

Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia coach Jose 'Ze Maria' Marcelo has been a man under intense pressure following a poor run of results in the second leg of the league.

Gor Mahia remain in second position on the log after their latest barren draw against Bandari in Kisumu. The result has not gone down well with majority of their fans and some have started questioning the ability of their Brazillian coach.

But in an interview touching on a wide range of issues, Marcelo has defended his performance insisting that all is well at the club.

"The fact is, I want to win more than the fans. This is my team and I train them everyday and therefore, it's natural that I always want to collect all three points whenever we are playing.

"The truth is, we train very hard every day and this gives me comfort even when we don't win. We are giving it our best in training everyday," he said.

Marcelo insisted that even on match days, Gor Mahia has always been the better team but sometimes fail to win for not utilising their chances.

"We have recently been losing too many chances. Against Bandari, we had five clear chances but we did not utilise them. Furthermore, it looks like our opponents are giving 200 per cent every time they meet us. For instance, when we played Nairobi City Stars two weeks ago, we needed a late goal to beat them but a few days later, they lost 5-0 to Sofapaka. It shows that teams are coming at us with everything."

Regarding Meddie Kagere who returned to the team this season, Marcelo said he needs to be given more time to adapt.

"Kagere did some good things at the club last season and fans want him to repeat the same but what they are forgetting is that, things are different now. The team has new coach and we are playing differently. It will not be easy for him to repeat the same performance but with time he can do it.

"Kagere is working very hard in training just like the rest of the players. He has to be more creative and  I am glad that him and Jacques Tuyisenge are playing well," added Marcelo.

He defended his record at the club pointing out that when he came, Gor Mahia were not even in the top ten but finished the first leg at the top.

Regarding reports that he has problems with some players in the team, the Brazilian said:"I have 28 players and it's my responsibility to field whoever is in the best shape at any one time. Whoever has a problem with this is the problem."