Analysis: Coach Leo Neiva’s ‘Samba-Style’ Vision for Gor Mahia Evident in CECAFA Performance
Gor Mahia did not have a successful campaign at the CECAFA Kagame Cup under new coach Leo Neiva, but is there hope for the future with the coach aiming to implement Brazilian-esque ‘samba style’ football?
Gor Mahia’s new Brazilian head coach, Leo Neiva, has overseen three matches since his appointment right before the club traveled to Tanzania for the 2024 CECAFA Kagame Cup.
Despite being at the helm for three weeks, Neiva has faced on-pitch challenges, notably Austin Odhiambo’s absence from the pre-season camp. Odhiambo has been linked with a move abroad, with Belgian club AA Gent and clubs in Rwanda and Zambia showing interest. While his future remains uncertain, Neiva’s vision for the team is becoming clear, with an emphasis on doing well in the CAF Champions League this season.
Neiva succeeded Johnathan McKinstry, who left for the Gambia national team job after winning back-to-back league titles with Gor Mahia. Unlike McKinstry’s pragmatic approach, Neiva aims for a possession-based style, focusing on building from the back and short passes. This philosophy was evident in their CECAFA outings against Red Arrows, Djibouti Telecom, and Al Hilal, where they lost twice and drew once.
Despite the disappointing results, the style of play under Neiva showed promise. Gor Mahia is looking to exploit the flanks and create opportunities through dynamic wingers and attacking fullbacks. The wingers aim to isolate defenders and deliver dangerous crosses, while central players overload the box to increase scoring chances. Fullbacks like Levin Odhiambo will play a crucial role with their ability to link up and deliver early crosses.
For example, in the 11th minute against Red Arrows, Sharrif Musa created a one-on-one situation on the left flank, supported by overlapping runs from left-back Geoffrey Ochieng. In the box, players like Musa Masika, Benson Omalla, and newcomer Samuel Kapen were ready to capitalize, though Omala’s attempt went wide.
Similarly, in the 87th minute, Boniface Omondi’s cross from the right found an overloaded box, but Chris Pius Akena’s shot missed the target. Against Djibouti Telecom, the team also attempted central plays, with long balls into the channels for wide players to exploit, like Alpha Onyango’s 54th-minute pass to Rooney Onyango, whose cutback was intercepted.
Off the ball, Neiva’s side aims to be aggressive in pressing and turning over possession. New signing Chris Akena, with his energy and ball-carrying ability, has been instrumental in this approach. Despite Austin Odhiambo’s creativity, Akena’s industry has led the press, as seen in the 20th minute against Djibouti Telecom when he pounced on a loose ball and drove forward, though his shot went wide.
However, Gor Mahia has shown vulnerability in transitions, often losing possession and allowing counter-attacks. This issue was highlighted against Djibouti Telecom, where a miscontrolled pass led to a turnover and a scoring opportunity for the opposition.
Conclusion:
Gor Mahia is striving to build a competitive team for the Champions League and to win a third consecutive league title. They will face Sudanese side Al Merreikh and potentially Egyptian giants Al Ahly if they progress past the opening stage.
Neiva acknowledged that the CECAFA tournament came too early, given he had only a week of training before the first match. The upcoming Coal City Cup in Nigeria will be crucial for the players to adapt to his methods. With the addition of Alphonce Omija from Dhofar, the team’s defense and midfield will be bolstered.
Gor Mahia will face Brazilian giants Corinthians, Coton FC, and Remo Stars in Nigeria, aiming to build chemistry and prepare for their Champions League campaign.
