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Writing was on the wall for Leo Neiva at Gor Mahia as mounting setbacks, fan backlash, and disappointing results led to the end of his brief tenure, dousing hopes of Brazilian flair.
Sharp sword fell on Leonardo Martins Neiva on Wednesday afternoon as Gor Mahia made the bold decision to terminate his contract following a string of underwhelming performances that have come to define his coaching career.
For Neiva, a coach with a reputation of never lasting long in any managerial post, it seemed inevitable that his tenure at the FKF Premier League giants would be short-lived.
The rains had already begun to beat him before the final blow was struck.
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15:40 - 13.11.2024
Gor Mahia part ways with Brazilian head coach Leo Neiva following tulmtuous four-month spell
Gor Mahia have announced the termination of their Brazilian head coach Leonardo Martins Neiva with immediate effect following a troubled four-month spell in charge of the record FKFPL champions.
Neiva's arrival in Nairobi four months ago was met with cautious optimism as with a decorated resume that spanned multiple continents and a diverse coaching background many hoped that his vast experience would help revive Gor Mahia's fortunes.
From managing national teams to winning league titles in Tanzania and Jamaica, Neiva seemed like the perfect man to lead K'Ogalo through the highs and lows of Kenyan football.
But as the season wore on,cracks began to show in his reign.
"We are grateful for Mr. Neiva's contributions," said Gor Mahia's management in a statement.
"But after thorough evaluation, we have determined that a change in leadership is necessary to realign with the club’s long-term goals."
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14:00 - 13.11.2024
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The warning signs were already visible long before the final decision. as his first real test in the local league came on October 28, when K'Ogalo suffered a 2-1 loss to Nairobi City Stars.
A result that sparked a fierce backlash from the fans. The match was marred by chaos, with Neiva requiring an escort from security officers after angry chants from the supporters.
It was at that moment that the warning bells rang loud and clear.
"The fans were already losing patience with Neiva. There were always doubts about his tactics and the team’s inconsistency. That City Stars loss was the breaking point," a source at the club revealed.
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09:56 - 13.11.2024
Severe weather blocks pitches as Harambee Stars face rain woes ahead of Zimbabwe duel
Harambee Stars are expected to face challenging conditions in Polokwane as severe rain disrupts both teams’ preparations ahead of Friday’s crucial AFCON qualifier against Zimbabwe with more rain forecasted.
And then came the 2-2 draw against Murang’a Seal on November 2.
The match, which ended in a dramatic fracas with injuries and teargas, was the last straw before the embarrassing 2-0 loss to Bandari at Ukunda Ground on Wednesday last week.
For Gor Mahia the pressure to perform is immense, and the fans’ patience has always been razor-thin.
"The match was disastrous," said Peter Otieno, a die-hard Gor Mahia fan.
"It wasn’t just about the result—it was about the way the team looked on the pitch. There was no identity, no clear direction. The coach was out of ideas, and it was clear that something had to change."
Despite his extensive coaching experience, Neiva's inability to deliver consistent results at Gor Mahia was a tale that had repeated itself in almost every job he had taken.
From his first major coaching stint at Rakhine United in Myanmar, where he was the youngest manager in the league, to his short-lived spell at Vipers SC in Uganda, Neiva's career has been littered with high expectations followed by early exits.
"Leonardo Martins Neiva has always struggled to maintain a long tenure," noted local football analyst Prince Kamotho on X.
"He has had flashes of brilliance at times, but his inability to handle the pressure, coupled with inconsistent performances, has always led to his downfall."
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10:32 - 12.11.2024
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From the moment he stepped into the pressure cooker of Kenyan football, the writing was already on the wall.
With only two wins in his first six matches of the 2024/2025 season, it was becoming increasingly clear that Neiva's style of play did not resonate with the club's ethos or the fans' expectations.
The dismissal of Neiva came after a "thorough evaluation" by the club's management.
In a statement, the club made it clear that the decision was made with a view to the future: "We remain committed to maintaining the club's competitive edge and upholding its strong legacy."
For now, the search for a new head coach will begin with interim management under Zedekiah Otieno and Michael Nam overseeing the team’s preparations.
But for Neiva, the harsh reality remains—his short-lived tenure at Gor Mahia follows a familiar pattern in his coaching career.
Where once there were hopes of long-term success, there are now questions about whether Neiva’s fate was sealed before he even arrived in Nairobi.
As the rains began to beat him, it became clear: once again, the coach who never stays in one place for too long had seen his time with Gor Mahia come to a premature and disappointing end.
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