Outgoing Gor Mahia head coach Leonardo Martins Neiva has singled out club politics and security concerns as the main reason behind his decision to leave the team, adding that his exit was premeditated rather than results-driven.The Brazilian gaffer further said that the attack on him by Gor Mahia fans when the team drew 2-2 with Murang’a Seal on 2nd November at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos was well planned.Gor Mahia confirmed the coach’s departure on Wednesday, November 13th, citing a contractual clause that allowed them to part ways with the Brazilian tactician.🟢 | ANNOUNCEMENT We hereby announce end of engagement with coach Leo Neiva; we truly thank him for his services and appreciate the times he spent at the club. All the best in your endeavour coach Leo.#Sirkal | #GorFansClub pic.twitter.com/8CBQoYSwnD— GOR MAHIA FC (@OfficialGMFC) November 13, 2024 The former SC Villa coach in Uganda then took to his social media pages to announce the exit: “I am here to inform you that I am leaving the club mainly because of my safety and physical integrity.It’s 2024, and unfortunately, this still happens in football! Political issues, election year, and other questions that directly interfere with our everyday lives.”The statement added: “There have been six Premier League games with two wins, two draws, and two defeats, apart from the qualification to the CAF Champions League second round, where Egyptian Giants Al Ahly knocked us out.“I wish Gor Mahia good luck and, special thanks to chairman Ambrose Rachier, people who supported me and gave me the best treatment possible during my stay in Kenya.”Martins Neiva’s troubles at Gor Mahia started after the team suffered its first defeat of the season—2-1—against Nairobi City Stars on October 28th.##NAJAVA_MECA_8507711##During the fixture at Machakos Stadium, K’Ogalo took the lead courtesy of Levis Odhiambo for a 1-0 lead at the half-time break.However, Simba Wa Nairobi turned on the screw in the second period to score Robinson Asenwa and Dennis Oalo to earn their first win of the campaign.After the game, Martins Neiva and the players were accosted by Gor Mahia fans, who demanded answers, saying the team’s performance had deteriorated.After the City Stars game, Gor Mahia managed a 2-2 draw against Murang’a Seal and it in this game that the tactician was physically attacked and police had to come to his aid. More trouble ensued after they suffered a 2-0 defeat against Bandari at Mombasa Sports Club on November 6th.Neiva reveals how A Mosquito FC affected his team’s performance in the leagueThe Premier League fixture was halted for several minutes in the closing stages as the K’Ogalo faithful pelted Martins Neiva with all types of objects at the technical area while demanding his sacking or resignation.Martins Neiva revealed that all the attacks aimed at him were politically instigated and premeditated. “It was all politics,” Martins Neiva responded when asked about the actions of the unruly fans during the two incidents.”Everyone knows that they (fans) acted premeditated; I want to say it was something planned, and those who attacked me during the two occasions were 10 to 15 people; they knew what they wanted and their target; it is a shame that in this age and era, such things happen in modern football.”Pressed further to explain whether one of his assistants was among those who had planned the attacks as alleged on social media, Martins Neiva said, “I don’t think so.”Why Gor Mahia sacked coach NeivaMartins Neiva wanted to shed more light on what led to his sacking, and he opened up by saying he was not in control of the situation.“Nothing special,” Martins Neiva responded to Flashscore when asked about why the two parties had reached an agreement to part ways.“Ask them (Gor Mahia) please; maybe it was because of the results, but this is football.##NAJAVA_MECA_8507701##“If you check all the news, they talk about the results (as the reason for my exit); I cannot control the situation; I cannot control their decision.”Asked whether they had parted ways amicably, Martins Neiva responded, “Of course, why not?”
