Why Aren’t Local Coaches Being Considered?
Gor Mahia Chairman Ambrose Rachier has made it clear that appointing a local coach is not currently on the club’s agenda. Speaking to Radio Citizen, Rachier revealed that since taking over leadership, no Kenyan coach has ever applied for the job. “Since I became chairman, I’ve never received a single application from a local coach. This is largely due to the immense pressure associated with managing Gor Mahia, especially from fans who have traditionally favored foreign coaches,” he stated.
The coaching role remains vacant following the disbandment of the entire technical bench. CEO Raymond Oruo was also relieved of his duties in the latest leadership shake-up. Rachier explained the changes were strategic, not punitive. “This was not a dismissal; it was a dissolution. We have assured them that once we identify a new technical bench, some of them may be retained based on performance and evaluation,” he added.
What Challenges Does Gor Mahia Face in Hiring Coaches?
According to Rachier, a major issue has been the lack of qualifications among applicants. “Most of the time, the applicants don’t have UEFA Pro or CAF licenses, which automatically disqualifies them. Others lack experience with African clubs, and even when they meet the requirements, some of their financial demands are simply unaffordable,” he explained.
The club’s ambitions extend beyond the local league, with continental success high on the agenda. This has raised the bar for coaching standards, making prior African experience and advanced certification essential for any candidate.
How Is Gor Mahia Improving Financial Transparency?
In response to persistent concerns about match-day revenue losses, particularly during high-attendance fixtures like the Mashemeji Derby, the club has rolled out a fully digital ticketing system. “We’ve switched to an online ticketing system. Gate managers will now oversee digital collections to ensure transparency and accountability,” Rachier said.
By Yockshard Enyendi