Gor Mahia head coach Sinisa Mihic gestures during their Football Kenya Federation Premier League match against AFC Leopards at Nyayo National Stadium on March 30,2025.
Outgoing Gor Mahia head coach Sinisa Mihic has cited a toxic working environment, poor infrastructure, and a lack of professionalism in Kenyan football as the reasons for his departure from the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) champions.
Mihic tendered his resignation on Monday evening, bringing an end to his short stint at Gor Mahia at a time when the club is enduring a poor run in the top-flight league and risks losing the FKF-PL title to Kenya Police.
The club confirmed the Croatian coach had mutually parted ways with the management. The 48-year-old, who holds a Uefa Pro Coaching License, was unveiled as Gor’s head coach on February 3 on a six-month contract.
He took over from Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno, who had served as interim coach since November 13 following the sacking of Brazilian tactician Leonardo Neiva due to poor performance.
His assistants, Otieno and Michael Nam, are expected to take charge of the team for the remainder of the season. K’Ogalo will face AFC Leopards on June 1, Ulinzi Stars on June 11, and close the season against leaders Kenya Police.
“I have finished with this club. I’m relieved and had decided no matter what, I must leave. That is why I called the meeting with the club officials, told them I will no longer stay, and we agreed I will be paid all my dues. No worry about that,” said a Mihic in an interview with Nation Sport.
“After the weekend draw against Murang’a Seal, where officiating was poor and my team was denied two clear penalties, I could no longer stay. I wish the club the best in its remaining matches,” he added.
Mihic managed to avoid the wrath of fans following the goalless draw against Murang’a Seal at the SportPesa Arena on Sunday. After the match, he expressed frustration over poor officiating and alleged sabotage within his own technical bench.
“Look at the matches we have played, the officiating itself, and compare with how our opponents are being favoured. The officiating has been pathetic. Even against Nairobi City Stars last week, we were denied a penalty—even though we wasted clear chances,” he noted.
Mihic said he feared for his health due to the constant frustration surrounding his role at Gor Mahia, especially infighting within the team’s management, revealing that he had fallen out with club officials.
“When we lost against FC Talanta, the chairman talked badly to the players and I told him off. I’m a very open person because I felt we needed to motivate the boys rather than castigate them for the loss,” he explained.
Tensions within the technical bench—particularly with assistants Zedekiah Otieno, Michael Nam, and Team Manager Victor Nyaoro—also contributed to his exit.
The conflict dates back to April 4, when Mihic expelled the trio from the team, accusing them of sabotage, backstabbing, and blackmail. He admitted that their relationship never recovered, even after management intervention.
“I was on my own and had no support at all from them. I have spoken before on this issue, but what I went through—even if another coach were to work under the same conditions, he wouldn’t succeed.
“For the team to perform, we need to be professional. Everyone should play his role, and let’s respect each other,” he emphasised.
Despite his departure, Mihic said he is not in a hurry to return to Croatia. He plans to remain in Kenya for a while and is currently considering offers from several clubs, including teams from South Africa.
In a previous interview, he said he had fallen in love with the country so deeply that he is considering making it his long-term home.
