Leonardo Martins Neiva, the newly appointed head coach of Gor Mahia, is determined to make a significant impact in next season’s CAF Champions League.The tactician takes over from Johnathan McKinstry, who led the club to two league titles in his successful two-season tenure before moving on to coach the Gambia national team.##NAJAVA_MECA_8191009##Neiva, a Brazilian with extensive coaching experience in Africa, has previously managed Tanzanian champions Yanga, Ugandan giants Vipers SC, Angolan club Grupo Desportivo Sagrada Esperança, and Sudanese side Al Merrikh.Speaking to the club’s official media shortly after his unveiling on Monday, Neiva expressed his excitement and honor at leading the 21-time league winners. “It is a big pleasure and a great honor to coach this giant of Kenya and East Africa,” Neiva said.Having dominated the local scene for over a decade, Gor Mahia aims to leave a mark on the continental stage under Neiva’s leadership.“We will try our best to put Gor Mahia at the top level of the African continent. I want to thank the club president for giving me this opportunity,” he added.Gor Mahia appoints Martins Neiva as new head coachIn addition to Neiva, Gor Mahia also announced the return of Zedekiah Otieno as the second assistant coach. Otieno, transitioning from his current role as head coach at Sofapaka, will oversee the club in the two-legged playoff before joining Gor Mahia permanently. Otieno has previously served as head coach and assistant coach at K’Ogalo, and is making a comeback to the club where he made his name as a player.Michael Nam will continue as the first assistant coach, though he will be in Uganda for the next four months for his CAF A coaching classes.Gor Mahia is actively strengthening its squad. They have signed Congolese striker Gedeon Bendeka from Etincelles of Rwanda, and Ugandan midfielder Chris Pius Akena, a free agent. The club is also targeting Burundian goalkeeper Jonathan Nahimana and Posta Rangers midfielder Brian Musa.COSAFA CUP: Harambee Stars face Zimbabwe in must win final group duel
