New Brazilian tactician points out what Gor Mahia need to improve on after first match

New Gor Mahia boss Leonard Martins Neiva, popularly known as Leo Neiva, has revealed what his team will strive to improve after overseeing his first match at the record Kenyan champions since taking over at the start of July 2024.

Neiva, who replaced Johnathan McKinstry, got his reign off to a false start as K’Ogalo succumbed to a 0-1 defeat against Zambian outfit Red Arrows in their opening Group B match at the CECAFA Kagame Cup 2024 taking place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Making his assessment after the game, Neiva pointed out the areas he will be looking to improve as he gets to know more and more about the team.

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"We have to improve a lot on ball possession, increase the short passes, increase the movement without the ball, the penetration without the ball, the movements of the players and also the harmony because we have new players," the Brazilian coach told SportPesa News.

“Of course, this was the first game for me as head coach. The players do not know me and we need time to work on technical, physical and tactical issues," he explained.

Despite going down in the match, Neiva picked up some positives as he hailed the character that the team showed throughout the encounter.

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"I am happy with the behavior, the character, and the attitude. They (players) fight, they are fighters. On that point, I am very satisfied," he noted.

Neiva also promised that things could only get better for them as they continue to gel with their new signings.

Congolese striker Gedeon Bendeka Mololia joined from Rwandese side Etincelles after finishing third in the top scorer’s list. Ugandan midfielder Chris Akena joined from Greek League 2 side Apollon Pontou FC and attacker Samuel Kapen signed from Nairobi City Stars.

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"They are going to settle in well, and we will get better. We are now going to focus on the next game against Telecom and try to recover," he concluded.

Gor Mahia will face Djibouti Telecom on Saturday before wrapping up group stage action against Sudanese giants Al Hilal on Tuesday.

In the 12-team competition taking place from 9-21 July, only the top team from the three groups - made of four teams each - and the best runner-up will qualify for the semifinals.

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