Gor recruit Portuguese coach Pinto
By Barry Silah, January 11, 2021Barry Silah @obel_barry
Barely four months after hiring Brazilian Coach Roberto Oliviera Goncalves, Gor Mahia yesterday unveiled Portuguese tactician Carlos Manuel Vaz Pinto, formerly of Ghanaian giants Hearts of Oak, as his replacement.
Vaz Pinto who was present at the stands of during the Gor Mahia match against Kariobangi Sharks is expected to take over fully with stand-in coach Sammy Omollo back to his club Posta Rangers and former assistant coach Patrick Odhiambo rumoured to be on his way to Bandari FC.
The struggling K’Ogalo have seen a season interrupted by off-field distractions including player unrest and pundits will be watching to what extent the new man at the helm will navigate this.
Speaking during the unveiling Sunday morning at the club’s offices, chairman Ambrose Rachier said the qualification required by CAF necessitated Goncalves’ move.
“We have mutually agreed to terminate our engagement with Coach Goncalves due to his inability to be with us.
We therefore cannot afford to wait longer and as such decided to approach Vaz Pinto who is a very experienced hand especially in African football.
“It is because of an ongoing league and of course our CAF Confederation Cup engagement that we decided to fill the gap. We thank Pinto for accepting our invite.
Additionally, due to recent performances of our team where physical fitness was a problem, we have also brought onboard Khamis Juma to be our new fitness trainer/physiotherapist,” said Rachier who has been under immense pressure from the club faithful to act.
The new coach has indicated his desire to win trophies for his new employers. “As a Uefa Pro licence holder, I have what it takes because of my experience in Africa.
Gor Mahia is a big club and I am very proud to be here,” said 46-year-old Vaz Pinto.
“Mine is to achieve history. We want to win league matches and of course do well in our CAF matches.
I believe we have enough time to analyse our next opponents (Napsa Stars of Zambia) but obviously all focus will be on the players because we need to target the group stages of the competition. I want to see hunger and ambition in the team,” added Pinto.