Gor Mahia appoints Brazilian Leonardo Neiva as its new coach

Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia have appointed Brazilian Leonardo Martins Neiva as the club’s new head coach.

The 46-year-old has signed a two-year contract with K’Ogalo.

Leonardo takes over from 38-year-old Irishman Johnathan McKinstry, who has taken on a new role as coach of the Gambian national football team.

According to club president Ambrose Rachier, 53 coaches showed interest in the vacant position, while 33 coaches, all foreigners, applied for the job.

Leonardo, who holds a Café A and UEFA Pro license, has coached several clubs including Vipers Sports Club (Uganda), Sudanese giants Al-Merreikh and Yanga from Tanzania.

His first assignment with Gor Mahia is the Cecafa Kagame Cup in Tanzania and Zanzibar from July 10 to 28.

As well as continuing K’Ogalo’s dominance in the Kenyan top division, the Brazilian will also have to lead the club in the Champions League.

K’Ogalo have just been crowned champions of the recently concluded Football Kenya Federation Premier League season, taking their record to 21 titles.