Coach Neiva reveals why he left Gor Mahia
Brazilian coach Leonardo Martins Neiva has singled out club politics and security concerns for his decision to leave Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League champions Gor Mahia.
Martins Neiva and Gor Mahia parted ways on Wednesday, November 13th with the record Kenyan champions confirming in a signed statement that they had invoked a contractual clause leading to the end of the coach’s tenure effective immediately.
The Brazilian has talked for the first time about what transpired, the reason behind his sack and what he plans do for the future.
“If you check all the news they talk about the results (as the reason for my exit), I cannot control the situation, I cannot control their decision,” Martins Neiva said as quoted by Flashscore.
He further revealed that all the attacks aimed at him during Premier League matches against Nairobi City Stars and Bandari FC were politically instigated and premeditated. “It was all politics,” Martins Neiva responded when asked about the actions of the unruly fans during the two incidents.
”Everyone knows that they (fans) acted premeditated, I want to say it was something planned, and those who attacked me during the two occasions were 10 to 15 people, they knew what they wanted and their target, it is a shame that in this age and era such things happen in modern football.”
Despite the sack which happened after only six league matches in charge of K’Ogalo, Martins Neiva admitted to having enjoyed his stay with the Kenyan giants.
Martins Neiva, who arrived at K’Ogalo at the start of the new campaign replacing Johnathan McKinstry, opened his Premier League title defence with a 4-0 win against Mathare United, hammered Posta Rangers 3-0, drew 0-0 against KCB before losing to 2-1 against City Stars.
“I am out of Gor Mahia already, I enjoyed a lot working with them, also I am very grateful for the way the club chairman Ambrose (Rachier) treated me since my first day at work until when we parted ways,” explained Martins Neva.
“I cannot say anything more about Gor Mahia. I just want to wish them all the best for the future.”