Gor Mahia, the record 21-time Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) champions, are now preparing for the inaugural Coal City Tournament in Nigeria next month.This comes after a disappointing performance at the 2024 CECAFA Kagame Cup in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania last week.Under new head coach Leonardo Neiva, Gor Mahia failed to win any matches and showed their lack of experience beyond borders. Neiva, on his first assignment with the team, has asked for patience from fans.##NAJAVA_MECA_8224833##Gor lost 1-0 to Zambia’s Red Arrows, drew 1-1 with Djibouti Telecom, and lost 2-0 to Al Hilal of Sudan in their last group match. They finished third in Group B with just one point, missing out on the semifinals.The poor results led to frustrated fans criticising Leonardo’s tactics on social media. However, the Brazilian coach remains positive, focusing on long-term improvements.”I didn’t come to Tanzania for immediate results, but to assess our players for the CAF Champions League.”We have a lot of potential and will continue our preparations in Nigeria. Change takes time,” Leonardo said.The team missed playmaker Austin Odhiambo, and struggled to score goals, as noted by many pundits.Robert Matano finally leaves Tusker FC after fallout with club bossesDespite this, Al Hilal head coach Florent Ibenge saw promise in Gor Mahia’s play.”Gor Mahia kept the ball well and showed they want to play good football. They are tough, but matches can be unpredictable. A full pre-season will help them improve and challenge other teams,” said the experienced Congolese coach.Leonardo, who took over from Johnathan McKinstry three weeks ago, aims to lead Gor Mahia to the group stage of the 2024/25 CAF Champions League.He is supported by assistants Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno and Michael Nam.In the Coal City Tournament, Gor Mahia will face Brazilian giants Corinthians on Friday 2 August, play against Coton FC of Benin on Sunday 4 August, and conclude their matches against Nigeria’s Remo Stars on Tuesday 6 August.Kenya Police FC set to sign Senegalese striker to replace Tito Okello
