Gor Mahia, the 21-time Kenyan Premier League champions, have made a dramatic coaching change as their title hopes fade in the final stretch of the season. The club announced on Monday, May 19, that they have parted ways with head coach Sinisa Mihic after just three months in charge. Citing a loss of control in the dressing room and a string of poor results as the main reasons for his departure. Mihic, the Croatian tactician who arrived in February with a six-month probationary contract, leaves the club with a mixed record. 15 matches managed, eight wins, five draws, and two defeats.
Despite a promising start, including a 2-1 win over Mathare United, Mihic’s tenure quickly unravelled. The team suffered frustrating draws against Tusker, Bidco United, and AFC Leopards, and were stunned by shock defeats to FC Talanta and Nairobi City Stars, both teams battling against relegation. These results left Gor Mahia trailing league leaders Kenya Police FC by seven points. With only three matches remaining and the title seemingly slipping away. Mihic’s insistence on a rigid 3-5-2 formation and questionable player selections, often benching key players, drew ire from fans and club officials alike.
Internal turmoil also plagued Mihic’s brief stint. He clashed repeatedly with his technical staff, particularly assistant coaches Zedekiah “Zico” Otieno and Michael Nam, accusing them of sabotaging his work. The situation escalated in April when Mihic expelled the two assistants and team manager Victor Nyaoro from a training session, further alienating himself from the squad and club hierarchy. Mihic later apologised. But trust had already eroded, and the club’s management felt compelled to act before the situation deteriorated further.
With Mihic gone, the spotlight now turns to Kenyan coaching legend Zedekiah “Zico” Otieno, who will take charge of the team on an interim basis until the end of the season. Zico is a revered figure at Gor Mahia, both as a former player and coach. His appointment has been met with optimism among fans who hope he can restore unity and stability to the squad.
Zico’s immediate challenge is to re-energise a demoralised team and salvage what remains of their title ambitions. With his deep understanding of the club’s culture and the respect he commands from players, Zico is expected to foster a more positive dressing room environment and make pragmatic tactical adjustments.