Gor Mahia CEO Raymond Oruo has thrown his weight behind Brazilian coach Leonardo Martins Neiva to lead the team to greater heights while also acknowledging that the team can do better.The former Yanga SC coach took charge after the departure of Northern Irishman Jonathan McKinstry who departed the Kenyan giants for a coaching role with the Gambia national team after leading K’Ogalo for two seasons where he won the FKF Premier League twice.Neiva who has been in charge throughout the pre-season is working to see the team adopt his playing style but have so far recorded mixed results which have raised eyebrows among the K’Ogalo faithful.Why Dan Shikanda is confident of AFC Leopards ending 26-year title drought next seasonIn an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport, the CEO backed the coach and called for patience from everyone.”Let’s give the head coach time to impart his philosophy and style of play on the team. Things can only get better,” said Oruo.Gor Mahia performed dismally in the CECAFA Kagame Cup where they were eliminated from the group stage without a win. They lost matches against Al-Hilal and Red Arrows and drew against AS Ali Sabieh Djibouti Télécom.##NAJAVA_MECA_8269547##Oruo also confirmed the departure date for the first leg of their upcoming CAF Champions League preliminary round against El Merreikh of South Sudan.”The team is ready and all is set for our CAF game. The team departs for Juba on Thursday, the match is on Sunday. This will get them enough time to rest,” said Oruo.Gor Mahia qualified for the CAF Champions League as Kenya’s representative after winning last season’s FKF Premier League- the 21st time they did so.Harambee Stars to seek new ‘home’ for AFCON qualifiers after new development in Ugandan stadiumOruo exuded confidence in the team’s ability to give a good account of themselves in the clash away from home.“I am confident of a good performance and result in Juba ahead of the second leg at home,” he said.The game against South Sudanese champions El Merreikh will be played on Sunday 18 August at Juba Stadium with the match kicking off at 1600 hrs (EAT).This will mark a return to the continental games for Gor Mahia after almost four years. Last season they were to compete in the qualifiers but were banned for failing to comply with CAF club licensing rules after they failed to settle dues owed to their former players.
