Leo Neiva: How my exit from Gor Mahia was 'planned and premeditated'

On Wednesday afternoon, Leo Neiva was sacked as Gor Mahia head coach after just six league games in charge, marking a dramatic end to his short tenure with the club.

Leonardo Martins Neiva has attributed his abrupt departure from Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League champions Gor Mahia to club politics and safety concerns, claiming his exit was premeditated rather than results-driven.

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.

The decision came after just six league matches, leaving the club sitting 12th on the 18-team table.

“I am here to inform you that I am leaving the club mainly because of my safety and physical integrity," Neiva revealed in a statement on social media.

“It’s 2024, and unfortunately, this still happens in football! Political issues, election year, and other questions directly interfere with our everyday lives.”

The tensions came to a head following Gor Mahia's 2-1 defeat against Nairobi City Stars on October 28th.

Fans expressed their dissatisfaction with the team’s performance, demanding Neiva’s resignation and forcing him to leave Machakos Stadium under tight security.

Subsequent results, including a 2-2 draw with Murang’a Seal and a 2-0 loss to Bandari, fueled unrest among supporters.

“It was all politics. 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," Neiva commented on the attacks as per Flashscore.

Despite the turmoil, Neiva maintained that his relationship with the club’s hierarchy remained positive, crediting chairman Ambrose Rachier for his support.

“I am very grateful for the way the club chairman Ambrose treated me since my first day at work until when we parted ways. I enjoyed working with Gor Mahia," he noted.

His brief tenure saw mixed results, with Gor Mahia securing two wins, two draws, and two losses in the league, along with a CAF Champions League second-round exit to Egyptian giants Al Ahly.

However, Neiva emphasized that performance issues were not the primary reason for his departure.

“Nothing special,” he said when asked why the club opted to part ways.

“Maybe it was because of the results, but this is football. I cannot control their decision.”

Neiva rejected allegations circulating on social media that one of his assistants was involved in planning the attacks against him, dismissing the claims outright.

“I don’t think so,” he responded when pressed on the matter.

Despite the abrupt end to his tenure, Neiva remains optimistic about Gor Mahia’s chances this season.

“Of course, they can be the champions again. They have the best players in the country and also the best facilities. Their strong local technical staff knows the way to win things," he noted.

Neiva also shared that he had declined offers from Asia and Indonesia during his time at Gor Mahia to focus on building a legacy with the Kenyan giants.

“My intention was to stay with them for a long time, try to keep the title, and win many more trophies,” he said.

“I am a free agent right now, a professional. I can consider and study any proposal that comes my way.”

Neiva’s departure means he will miss Gor Mahia’s high-stakes derby against AFC Leopards on November 24th, with assistants Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno and Michael Nam set to take charge of the encounter.