Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards under fire as hooliganism returns

Gor Mahia’s Brazilian coach, Leonardo Neiva, has issued an ultimatum stating he will not attend any Football Kenya Federation Premier League matches if his security is not guaranteed.

Neiva, 46, was assaulted by a section of the team’s supporters after a 2-2 draw with Murang’a Seal at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Saturday.

This incident followed closely after he had to be escorted to the dressing room due to a similar attack after the team lost 2-1 to Nairobi City Stars at the same venue on Monday last week.

On Saturday, Neiva had to run for his life, escaping the wrath of fans, who were dispersed by security officials using teargas canisters.

Nation Sport has learnt that the coach had a meeting with his technical bench yesterday during which he was visibly shaken and nearly shed tears while recounting the events of Saturday.  

“He made it clear that he would only attend matches if his security was reinforced, demanding armed policemen be assigned to him. Without that he stated that he won’t go to any stadium for a match,” said a source who attended the meeting.

“He feels the violence against him and the team was planned, and from the way he was speaking, his future at the club could be at stake. He is no longer comfortable and doesn’t feel safe coaching Gor,” the source added.

Gor Mahia Secretary General Sam Ochola condemned the chaos, but said Neiva should bear part of the blame for his predicament.

“The coach was warned not to go and apologise to the fans after the game, but he ignored the advice, and thus his predicament followed,” Ochola stated.

“Our stewards warned him when hell broke loose, but he insisted. As much as I condemn the incident, the coach should be blamed for the assault he received,” he added.

“He will be at peace with the fans if he starts getting positive results. At the same time, I urge our fans to maintain peace because a draw is not a loss, and we should give the coach some time to work.”

When asked if he had spoken to Neiva amid reports that the Brazilian was considering his future at Gor Mahia due to insecurity, Ochola posed, “There are things I can’t say, but if he wants to go, then that wouldn’t be an issue.

What we all agree about is that hooliganism shouldn’t be tolerated, but at the same time, we want results, and the coach and players have to deliver.”

Gor Mahia’s arch-rivals, AFC Leopards’ fans, are also under scrutiny following incidents of hooliganism.

On Sunday, Leopards coach Tomas Trucha had to be whisked away to safety after the team lost 2-0 to Ulinzi Stars at Kinoru Stadium. Prior to the match, Leopards had maintained a strong record against Ulinzi, having not lost to the soldiers in their last three encounters.

Contacted for comment, Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda stated he was in a meeting, while Club Secretary General Gilbert Andugu is indisposed. Club CEO Albert Wesonga was recently ejected from his role.

Last week, AFC Leopards’ fans wrote a warning letter to Trucha, urging him to help the team improve its results or leave.

Trucha responded, asserting he shouldn’t be blamed for the poor performance, stating the club’s leadership had failed to deliver on his transfer programme. He had intended to recruit Gor Mahia’s forward Samuel Kapen and Tusker FC’s defender Mike Kibwage, but these plans fell through due to delayed paperwork and payment.

Interim FKF CEO Patrick Korir did not respond to our queries.