Zedekiah 'Zico' Otieno: The K'Ogalo Servant Steering Gor Mahia's Season Defining Period After Broken Promises

Gor Mahia coach Zedekiah 'Zico' Otieno in previous FKF Premier League fixture. (Credit: Gor Mahia)

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Gor Mahia assistant coach Zedekiah 'Zico' Otieno in previous FKF Premier League fixture. (Credit: Gor Mahia)

Zedekiah 'Zico' Otieno: The K'Ogalo Servant Steering Gor Mahia's Season Defining Period After Broken Promises

Stephen Awino 12:00 - 23.05.2025

Gor Mahia find themselves having to depend on Zedekiah 'Zico' Otieno once more to salvage a crumbling campaign.

Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno is back in familiar territory, once again stepping in to steer the ship for FKF Premier League (FKFPL) champions Gor Mahia following the dismissal of Croatian head coach Sinisa Mihic.

The club announced the departure of Mihic on Monday, just three months into his tenure.

Assistant coaches Otieno and Michael Nam have been entrusted with the interim charge, rekindling memories of a similar stint Otieno held after the departure of former Brazilian coach Leo Neiva.

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Broken Promises And Familiar Territory

Gor Mahia
Former Gor Mahia coach Leonardo Neiva and his then-assistant Zedekiah 'Zico' Otieno during a training session. Photo: Gor Mahia

Otieno’s return as interim coach marks a pattern in Gor Mahia's recent managerial approach, turning to the dependable Kenyan tactician in times of crisis.

When Neiva was shown the door after a brief and tumultuous spell, Otieno stepped in and galvanized the team, restoring them into title contention.

His performance was lauded, and he was reportedly promised a permanent role should he maintain the club’s momentum.

However, those assurances were short-lived. In a surprise move, the management appointed Mihic midway through the campaign, following a rough patch of draws and losses as Otieno was relegated back to his assistant role, and tensions began to brew.

The fallout between Otieno and Mihic was no secret asreports revealed strained relations among the coaching staff, including team manager Victor Nyaoro, contributing to an increasingly toxic dressing room environment.

Zico’s Redemption Arc

Gor Mahia
Gor Mahia interim coach Zedekiah Zico Otieno (Photo credit: KCB FC)

Now, Otieno has a chance to right past wrongs and possibly write a triumphant final chapter to a rocky season.

With Gor Mahia’s title defense hanging in the balance, he needs not only tactical brilliance but also a bit of fortune.

His first test comes this Sunday in the FKF Cup semi-final clash against Murang’a Seal at Dandora Stadium.

Victory will not only push the club closer to silverware but also serve as a morale boost ahead of a crucial league run-in.

After the Cup tie, Gor face a string of high-stakes fixtures as the Mashemeji Derby against arch-rivals AFC Leopards looms large, followed by a tricky encounter with Ulinzi Stars.

Their season concludes with a showdown against current league leaders Kenya Police.

Mathematically, Gor Mahia are still in contention. However, they don’t just need wins, they need help a stheir heir fate is partially out of their hands, with hopes pinned on Kenya Police stumbling in their fixture against Shabana.