Gor Mahia fires whole technical bench after poor season

Gor Mahia's head Coach Zedekiah Otieno 'Zico' during FKF Premier League match against Tusker FC at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos County. Jan 19, 2025. [Jonah Onyango Standard]

Record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia have parted ways with their entire technical bench following a disappointing 2024/25 season, which ended without a trophy for the first time in nine years.

The decision, announced through an official club statement signed by Chairman Ambrose Rachier, comes just days after Gor Mahia lost the FKF Cup final 2-1 to Nairobi United.

"Gor Mahia Football Club wishes to inform its supporters, stakeholders, and the general public that it has mutually agreed with the entire technical bench, including members of the team security, to part ways, effective 2nd July 2025," read part of the statement.

The outgoing staff include head coach Zedekiah 'Zico' Otieno, assistant coach Michael Nam, goalkeeper trainer Boniface Oluoch, team manager Victor Nyaoro, as well as the medical team, kit manager, and club stewards.

"This decision follows a comprehensive internal review and is part of the Club's broader restructuring process aimed at strengthening its technical and operational capacity in preparation for the upcoming 2025/26 season," the club added.

Zico, who had joined the club as an assistant coach at the start of the 2024/25 season, took over on interim basis twice - first after the sacking of Brazilian coach Leonardo Neiva in November 2024, and later following Sinisa Mihic's resignation in May 2025 after a 0-0 draw with Murang'a Seal.

That result effectively ended Gor Mahia's hopes of retaining the league title, which went to Kenya Police FC.

Zico's final stint in charge yielded just one win - a 2-1 victory over Ulinzi Stars - and two draws against AFC Leopards and Police, before the costly cup final defeat to Nairobi United.

Goals from Frank Ouya and Enock Machaka overshadowed Ben Stanley's brilliant strike, sealing Gor's fate.

The FKF Cup final defeat sparked chaos as angry fans stormed the pitch in protest, forcing security to protect the embattled coach, who remained locked in a secure room until the stadium cleared.

Rachier concluded, "As we begin a new chapter, Gor Mahia FC remains committed to building a solid foundation that will support competitive excellence both on and off the pitch."

Further announcements on the new technical team and expected player changes are expected in coming days.