Hassan Oktay resigns as Gor Mahia head coach

Gor Mahia coach Hassan Oktay against Zamalek of Egypt during their CAF confederation cup match at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday, February 3, 2019. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Gor Mahia head coach Hassan Oktay has officially resigned as the manager of the club.

According to the club’s official website, the 46-year-old has requested Gor to release him from his contract which had tied him to the club till late next year.

“Kindly accept my resignation as Gor Mahia FC head coach effective today [August 6], the sixth day of August 2019. As you are aware, the decision has been forced on me by the personal challenges I am facing here in Europe," Oktay said.

The announcement comes as a shocker as the Turkish-Cypriot had initially asked for six days off and travelled to his native country Turkey for family issues.

Oktay has, however, thanked the club for the opportunity they gave him to manage the Kenyan football giants.

"I wish to thank you and the entire club, including the fans for the opportunity you accorded me to manage this great club. I also wish you guys all the best in your forthcoming assignments." The Turkish-Cypriot added.

The club has accepted Oktay's resignation and thanked him for his services.

"The club has accepted Oktay’s wish to terminate his contract and thanks to him for his services. The club also prays for Oktay’s situation to get better," the club confirmed.

Oktay took over K’Ogalo in December 2018 to succeed Dylan Kerr, who had also resigned from his position after only one season.

The resignation of the tactician is a huge blow to the KPL champions who have also had their assistant coach Zedekiah Otieno leave the club to join KCB as their head coach.

Gor has also lost their key players to other clubs who were pivotal to their KPL glory last week.

Attacking midfielder Francis Kahata joined Simba SC, striker Jacques Tuyisenge left for Petro Atletico while their then captain Harun Shakava recently left for Zambian side Nkana FC.

Oktay parts ways with K'Ogalo after just one season in charge and helping the club lift their 18th KPL title.