CAF disqualifies new Gor Mahia coach Oliveira from taking part in Champions League

Gor Mahia FC new coach Roberto Oliveira Goncalves from Brazil after his formal introduction to the team at the Two Rivers in Nairobi on October 12, 2020. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Perennial KPL champions Gor Mahia could travel to Rwanda for their CAF Champions League match against Armée Patriotique Rwandaise FC (APR) without their new coach Roberto Oliveira Goncalves.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has written to Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and K’Ogalo asking to have his CAF A licence, or else he will not be allowed to handle the team on November 28.

A source, who did not want to be named, told Goal on Friday that Oliveira is not qualified to handle CAF matches.

“Gor Mahia are in trouble, they don’t have a qualified coach for their Caf assignment. CAF has written to FKF asking his qualification but he has papers from Brazil.

“Caf is asking where did the coach come from, he doesn’t have qualification papers, doesn’t have a Caf A certificate or Caf B which is for Kenyan coaches or even an equivalent, his papers don’t meet Caf standards, he has papers from Brazil, and thus he will not be eligible to sit in the dugout,” the source told Goal.

Gor Mahia, one of the most successful clubs in East and Central Africa, have not spoken on the matter yet.

CAF’s letter to FKF and Gor Mahia.

Gor appointed the Brazilian tactician last month.

Oliveira, who previously managed Rayon Sports of Rwanda, has 25 years of coaching experience and has been to a number of African countries as head coach, the Middle East as well as his native country Brazil.

The development came after British coach Steve Polack, who led K’ogalo to their record 19th Kenyan Premier League title triumph mutually parted ways with the club.

Confirming the appointment, Gor chair Ambrose Rachier told the club’s website: “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.”

Gor Mahia FC chairman Ambrose Rachier (left) introduces new coach Oliveira to players at the Two Rivers training grounds in Nairobi on October 12, 2020. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

On his part, Oliveira, 60, also told the club that he was glad to be offered the chance to coach the champions.

“After leaving Rayon Sports, I got three offers to come back to Africa but I turned them down…. When Gor Mahia came knocking, I couldn’t turn it down because I like the club…. I like their style because I have seen Gor Mahia play many times and even had a tie against them in CAF competition. I am happy to be offered the chance to coach the team,” said Roberto.

“Gor Mahia have won everything in local competition and it is about time to make a mark 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.”

K’Ogalo have been drawn to face the Rwandan side (APR) in the preliminary round of the CAF competition next weekend.