Ze Maria quits as Gor Mahia coach

Brazilian Jose Marcelo ‘Ze Maria’ Ferreira has parted ways with Gor Mahia FC in a surprise exit that has left the club he led to two titles in just over a year stunned.

Reports of his exit surfaced on Thursday morning at a time when the club’s top hierarchy were grappling to persuade him against the decision.

A crunch meeting with club Chairman Ambrose Rachier ended in vain with the Brazilian said to have already booked a flight back to his homeland along with compatriot and assistant Marco Aurelio.

Ze Maria who led the record Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions to the Super Cup title on Sunday leaves after a brief yet successful stay spanning close to 15 months.

The only flaw to his managerial stint remains failing to lead the club to a fourth successive KPL crown, with Tusker FC ending that unprecedented dominance last year when they won the league and Cup double.

Ahead of his impending departure from the country, Ze Maria will visit his players at the Camp Toyoyo Grounds for a farewell training session on Thursday.

Assistant coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno is expected to take over the reins ahead of their KPL clash with Sofapaka FC on Sunday.

When contacted, Zico who was on his way to training maintained he was unaware of the unfolding developments and assured Ze Maria oversaw the previous session in routine fashion on Wednesday.

“We have a training session at two o’clock (pm) at the Jericho Grounds (Camp Toyoyo) and from there I shall know if he indeed has left,” the former Posta Rangers tactician told Citizen Digital.

The K’Ogalo have enjoyed a steady start to their 2017 campaign, beating Tusker to the KPL Super Cup in March before going on to edge domestic and regional giants to clinch the inaugural Super Cup in Tanzania.

Under Ze Maria, Gor finished the first leg of the KPL at its summit and will contend the remainder of the season with champions Tusker who trail only on goal difference.

The club is yet to make an official statement on the same.

More soon…