Croatian tactician Sinisa Mihic has become the 14th foreign coach to exit Football Kenya Federation (FKF-PL) champions Gor Mahia in just 12 years, a staggering statistic that cements the club’s reputation as a graveyard for foreign tacticians.
Mihic, who joined Gor Mahia on February 3 this year, resigned on Monday citing a “toxic working environment,” poor infrastructure, and a general lack of professionalism.
After Sunday’s goalless draw against Murang’a Seal, which dented K’Ogalo’s title hopes, Mihic had made up his mind to leave. He reportedly dodged the wrath of angry fans and swiftly arranged his exit.
“I have finished with this club, I’m relieved and have decided no matter what, I must leave. That is why I called a meeting with the club officials, told them I will no longer stay and we agreed I will be paid all my dues,” Mihic told Nation Sport.
“After the weekend draw against Murang’a Seal where officiating was poor and my team was denied two penalties, I could no longer stay. I wish the club all the best in its remaining matches,” added the 48-year-old Croatian.
Gor Mahia part ways with head coach Sinisa Mihic
Mihic's departure adds to a long list of foreign coaches who have had brief and often stormy tenures at Gor Mahia. His predecessor, Brazilian Leonardo Neiva, also left under a cloud in November last year, following a chaotic and tumultuous reign.
Since 2012, Gor Mahia has cycled through a long line of foreign tacticians, including: Anaba Awono (Cameroonian, 2012-2013), Zdravko Logarušić (Croatian, 2012–2013), Bobby Williamson (Scottish, 2013–2014), Frank Nuttall (Scott, 2014–2016), José Marcelo Ferreira “Ze Maria” (Brazilian, 2016–2017), Dylan Kerr (Briton, 2017–2018), Hassan Oktay (Turkish-Cypriot, 2018–2019), Steve Polack (Briton, 2019–2020), Robertinho Oliveira (Brazilian, 2020–2021), Carlos Vaz Pinto (Portuguese, 2021), Mark Harrison (Briton, 2021–2022), Andreas Spier (German, 2022), Jonathan McKinstry (Irish, 2022–2024), Leonardo Neiva (Brazilian, July–Nov 2024) and Sinisa Mihic (Croatian, Feb–May 2025).
Of all these, only McKinstry and Williamson left without controversy. McKinstry exited after a two-year stint to take over the Gambia national team, while Williamson was appointed Harambee Stars head coach.
Gor Mahia coach Sinisa Mihic gestures on the touchline during their FKF Premier League match against Mathare United at Dandora Stadium on February 8, 2025.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
The rest either quit under pressure or were dismissed in controversial circumstances. When Neiva exited in November, Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno was appointed interim coach.
However, after a string of poor results, fan backlash led to Mihic’s appointment. Zico’s continued presence at the club has been questioned by fans, especially following reports of tension between him and several foreign coaches.
A senior Gor Mahia player, who requested anonymity, confirmed internal sabotage and favouritism within the technical bench, which he said undermines any coach who tries to instil professionalism.
“Mihic was one of the most professional coaches because he knew the capability of every player and gave each one of us a chance,” the player said.
“There is a cartel in Gor where the members of the technical bench do a lot of favouritism and that is why some of the foreign coaches are being fought every day,” he added.
He further warned that unless structural issues are addressed, coaching changes alone won’t bring success.
“There will be no change if the situation remains the same and a new coach is not given a free hand to handle the team as he wishes. Some of the coaches who did well when the club was at its prime did so because squad selection was fair,” he added.
Still, club supporters want the next foreign coach to bring his own backroom staff.
