Brazilian flair: Gor appoint Oliveira as new head coach

Gor Mahia have turned to the Brazilian magic in hiring Roberto ‘Robertinho’ Oliveira Gonçalves do Carmo as their new head coach just hours after the Kenyan Premier League champions announced they had parted ways with his predecessor Steve Pollack.

Simply known as Robertinho, the Brazilian is well-versed with African football particularly East African football having handled Rayon Sports of Rwanda in 2018, when he was picked to replace former AFC Leopards coach Ivan Minnaert at the Rwandan powerhouse.

Gor Chairman Ambrose has confirmed has confirmed the appointment saying Oliveira has what it takes to lead the club.

“We are excited to announce the arrival of our new coach Roberto Oliveira from Brazil. He has had long coaching experience in Africa thus making him more conversant with African football. We think he will be a great asset in our quest to achieve better results on the field,” Rachier said.

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Robertinho played club football in Brazil, Portugal and Switzerland for Fluminense, Flamengo, Palmeiras, Internacional, Sport Recife, Atlético Mineiro, Nacional and Grössembacher. He earned one international cap for Brazil in September 1980, against Paraguay.

The Brazilian tactician said he was happy to be offered the chance to manage Gor, saying it was high time the club made a big mark in Africa.

“I like the Gor Mahia and like their style because I have seen them play many times and even had a tie against them in CAF competition. I am happy to be offered the chance to coach here.

“The club has won everything in local competition but now we must shine abroad in CAF continental competitions. It will take the collective efforts of players, technical staff, and management to achieve what we want. I believe it can be done,” he said.

Gor announced on Friday Pollack had departed his role as head coach after a mutual agreement to terminate his contract which had a little under one year left, adding the decision had been necessitated by the tough business climate brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The arrival of Renatinho turns yet another chapter at the club as he begins his stint at the Kenyan glamour club, having penned a two-year deal.