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Newly appointed Gor Mahia head coach Leonardo Martins Neiva has revealed his expectations from his players as he takes reigns at the helm of the Kenyan champions.

Speaking to Gor Mahia media after his unveiling, the 46-year-old Brazilian has called for total commitment from his players, saying he expects them to train like it’s a game as he emphasized the importance of speed and intensity in the modern game.

“My style is very intense, even in training. So you should train like it’s a game. That’s my message to the players. We need to be very tough and try to get the best from the players,” the tactician quipped.

Neiva on Kogalo’s style

He also praised previous Gor Mahia coach Jonathan McKinstry for Kogalo’s beautiful style of play, stating that he would seek to maintain the team’s philosophy while imprinting his own style on the squad.

“The transition should be fast, modern football is a mix of speed with a touch of organization. That’s why we are going to keep the good job of former coach Jonathan who did an amazing job,” he added.

“We cannot come here and change everything so quickly, slowly we are going to implement my philosophy and methodology while still trying to keep their philosophy because as a coach I think Gor Mahia has been playing beautiful football.”

Neiva at Gor Mahia

Neiva arrives at Kogalo after mutually agreeing to part ways with Ugandan Champions Viper SC in December 2023, six months into his contract.

The Brazilian was also in charge of Sudanese powerhouse Al-Merrikh SC in a stint that lasted three months, starting in December 2021 before ending in February 2022.

He will take over from Irishman McKinstry who has since taken up a new role as head coach of the Gambian national team.

Neiva will be assisted by a seasoned technical team that includes former Sofapaka head coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno, who returns to Gor Mahia alongside Michael Nam.

His first assignment on the touchline with Gor Mahia will come in the form of the CECAFA Kagame Cup to be held in Tanzania and Zanzibar from July 10 to 28.

Leonardo will also be tasked with leading Gor Mahia in the CAF Champions League in search of continental glory that has remained elusive for Kenyan clubs in the recent past.

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