Gor Mahia Focus on Luring CAF Champions League Winner as Applications Close

K’Ogalo are closing applications for a new head coach, targeting top tacticians including CAF Champions League winners to revive fortunes.

Gor Mahia are hours from closing the window for applications to fill one of Africa’s most prestigious and demanding coaching positions.

The deadline for submitting applications to become the club’s new head coach is Thursday, July 10, 2025, and while the club remains tight-lipped about the identities of those who have applied, expectations are high that only the continent’s finest tacticians will make the shortlist.

The search for new leadership comes as K’Ogalo look to rebuild after a disappointing season that saw them finish second behind Kenya Police in the FKF Premier League and lose in the FKF Cup final.

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K'Ogalo executive committee has underlined that only candidates with proven records of success and top-tier coaching credentials will be considered for the hot seat.

According to the club, a successful candidate must possess either a CAF A or UEFA FifaPro coaching licence and have at least eight years of experience managing a national team or top-flight club.

Importantly, Gor Mahia will prioritize coaches who have conquered the continent’s biggest competitions, including the CAF Confederation Cup, CAF Champions League and Africa Cup of Nations.

“We need a qualified coach who will see a good turnaround in the results of the club as we look to bounce back. That is why we will be very keen on getting the best, most qualified candidate. A tactician who is hungry for success,” said Gor Chairman Ambrose Rachier in an interview with Nation.

High Expectations and Continental Success

The club’s emphasis on continental pedigree underscores Gor Mahia’s determination to reclaim their status among Africa’s elite.

In addition to experience and trophies, the successful coach will also need to demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of modern football tactics, sports science, and data analysis.

“The new coach should also have adequate understanding of modern football tactics, sports science, tactics and data analysis,” the Executive Committee said in a statement detailing the minimum requirements.

Alongside the head coach position, the club announced vacancies for assistant coach, goalkeeper trainer, team manager, and team doctor.

The assistant coach is expected to hold at least a CAF B or UEFA B coaching licence. Local candidates with experience in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League or other major African leagues will receive preference for these supporting roles.

Debate Over Technical Bench Recruitment

While Gor Mahia’s management insists on separately recruiting the assistant coach, the decision has sparked heated debate among fans.

Many supporters argue that the incoming head coach should be allowed to pick his own backroom staff to foster cohesion and prevent the internal conflicts that have derailed the club in recent years.

“You are running this club like a village team. The new coach is the one who should come back with staff for easy coaching,” said Mike Okoth on Facebook while reacting to the announcement.

Shadrack Deshatta echoed these concerns, stating: “The coach should come with his technical bench to avoid sabotage claims which have been experienced before.”

Indeed, allegations of sabotage have plagued Gor Mahia’s recent past. The previous technical bench of Zedekiah Otieno, Michael Nam and Boniface Oluoch were accused of undermining both Brazilian coach Leonardo Neiva and Croatian Sinisa Mihic, ultimately contributing to the club’s decline in form.

After a season without silverware for the first time since 2016, the club faces mounting pressure from fans to get this appointment right.

Many supporters have called for a British coach, citing the club’s most successful recent eras under British tacticians.