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Turkish coach Haasan Oktay led Gor Mahia to the quater finals of the CAF Confederation Cup in the 2018/2019 season - their best continental finish this century.
Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier has hinted at a potential return for Turkish tactician Hassan Oktay following the dismissal of Brazilian coach Leonardo Neiva.
In a recent interview, Rachier disclosed that Oktay had reached out to him after Neiva’s exit, though the former coach did not explicitly express a desire to reclaim the managerial role.
Oktay, who famously led Gor Mahia to a historic 4-2 victory over Egyptian giants Zamalek in the 2018/ 2019 CAF Confederation Cup en-route to a quarter final place, contacted Rachier shortly after the club parted ways with Neiva. However, the nature of the conversation left room for interpretation.
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13:00 - 28.11.2024
Ambrose Rachier: 33 foreign coaches apply for vacant Gor Mahia role but club in no rush to announce new coach
The club is bidding time to assess all the applicants before appointing a coach with the right profile after Leonardo Neiva's acrimonious exit
“Hassan Oktay called after Neiva’s departure, but like [former coach] Dylan Kerr, he did not directly express a wish to come back,” Rachier told Citizen Digital. “It could be a sign, but at this point, we are still considering our options.”
The position became vacant after Neiva’s tumultuous four-month tenure ended amid a four-game winless streak. Tensions peaked during a 2-2 draw against Murang’a Seal, where Gor Mahia squandered a 2-0 lead, leading to violent fan reactions. Neiva’s inability to deliver consistent results ultimately sealed his fate.
For now, Zedekiah Otieno and Michael Nam have stepped into interim roles, steering the team to a morale-boosting 2-0 victory over Kakamega Homeboyz in Machakos during their first game in charge.
As earlier reported, Rachier revealed that Gor Mahia has received 33 applications from foreign coaches eager to fill the vacancy. Despite this overwhelming interest, he emphasized the importance of a deliberate selection process.
"We have received 33 applications from foreign coaches, but we haven't responded to them yet," Rachier said. "We want to first assess what type of coach will best fit the needs of the club moving forward."
The chairman took the opportunity to quash rumors surrounding the potential return of another former coach, Dylan Kerr. While Kerr also reached out, Rachier clarified that the call was purely casual.
“Kerr simply called to greet me in Swahili and Luo but never showed any interest in the role,” Rachier explained, firmly putting to rest speculation about his comeback.
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15:17 - 28.11.2024
Tusker duo Shapan Oyugi and Ryan Ogam revel in match-winning contributions against Mara Sugar
Oyugi and Ogam were on target for Tusker as they cruised to a 2-1 win over surprise package Mara Sugar last Sunday.
As Gor Mahia prepares for an away match against Mara Sugar in Awendo on Saturday, the focus remains on ensuring stability and long-term success.
While Oktay’s call might not have been a direct application, Rachier’s remark that “it could be a sign” leaves fans wondering if the Turkish tactician might yet make a return to steer Kenya’s most decorated football club back to glory.
Whether it’s Oktay, one of the 33 foreign applicants, or another candidate entirely, the choice will be pivotal for Gor Mahia’s future. For now, the club continues to weigh its options carefully, determined to make the best decision for the road ahead.
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