Rachier: Why Gor Mahia are unlikely to hire a local coach

Gor Mahia Chairman Ambrose Rachier has revealed that the 21-time Kenyan champions are unlikely to appoint a local coach, citing past challenges and intense pressure from fans.

The coaching position at K’Ogalo is currently vacant after the club’s executive committee recently disbanded the entire technical bench. Additionally, CEO Raymond Oruo was relieved of his duties.

Speaking to Radio Citizen, Rachier addressed growing speculation about the club’s next head coach, stating that local tacticians are unlikely to be considered for the top job at the record league champions.

“Since I became chairman, I’ve never received a single application from a local coach. This is largely due to the immense pressure associated with managing Gor Mahia, especially from fans who have traditionally favored foreign coaches,” he said.

Commenting on the recent changes, Rachier clarified that the technical team's exit was not a dismissal but a strategic dissolution, suggesting that some members could still be reinstated.

“This was not a dismissal—it was a dissolution. We have assured them that once we identify a new technical bench, some of them may be retained based on performance and evaluation,” he noted.

Rachier also highlighted the challenges the club faces when recruiting new coaches. He pointed out that many applicants lack the necessary qualifications—such as the UEFA Pro or CAF B licenses—and others have no prior experience coaching in Africa, which is essential given Gor Mahia’s continental ambitions. He further added that some qualified foreign coaches demand high salaries and benefits that are beyond the club’s financial reach.

“Most of the time, the applicants don’t have UEFA Pro or CAF licenses, which automatically disqualifies them. Others lack experience with African clubs, and even when they meet the requirements, some of their financial demands are simply unaffordable,” he explained.

In a separate move aimed at improving financial transparency, Rachier announced that the club has transitioned to a fully digital gate collection system. The decision follows longstanding concerns about irregularities in match-day revenues, particularly during high-profile fixtures like the Mashemeji Derby in Homa Bay.

“We’ve switched to an online ticketing system. Gate managers will now oversee digital collections to ensure transparency and accountability,” he said.

As Gor Mahia looks ahead, the club’s focus now shifts to rebuilding the technical bench, with the aim of improving performance and ending their recent trophyless run.