Andrei Spier determined to instill German football mentality at Gor Mahia

 

Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier (left) and newly appointed coach Andrei Spier during his unveiling in Nairobi yesterday. [Courtesy]

Newly appointed Gor Mahia coach="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/football/2001436159/kogallo-shelve-nkata-for-germany-tactician-spier"> Andrei Spier

Spier, who is making a return to the country after serving as Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Technical Director for two years (2016-2018), was unveiled yesterday as the record Kenyan champions’ coach after the cancellation of Paul Nkata’s appointment.

Gor Mahia’s love for European coaches continued as they named the German as their new boss on an interim basis.

Nkata had been named as Mark Harrison’s replacement last week only for the management to rescind the decision after facing backlash on social media. Harrison was sent parking alongside his deputy coach Sammy Omolo and goalkeeper trainer Jerim Onyango after an embarrassing 3-0 defeat to Posta Rangers.

Spier, who previously managed APR of Rwanda, will be assisted by former Posta Rangers, Talanta and Agrochemical coach Michael Nam. Experienced goalkeeper Boniface Oluoch has been elevated to the goalkeeper trainer role on a temporary basis.

The club’s management also appointed utility player Philemon Otieno as their captain, succeeding defender Harun Shakava.

Though Spier is aware of the task lying ahead, his target is to make K’Ogalo a force to reckon with both locally and internationally.

“I’m very happy for this opportunity to coach ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/football/2001436159/kogallo-shelve-nkata-for-germany-tactician-spier">Gor Mahia FC<. I’m aware it’s a club with a huge tradition and football history. The fifth place now is not reflecting the ambition of the club. I know it’s a young team, but for us it’s a situation that we can resolve and that these players can grow into stars,” said Spier.

“It’s not the first time I’m coming to Kenya, I was here between 2016 and 2018.  I know the situation, I know about the championship and there are some good teams here. I’m coming from Germany a place with big football history and tradition. I hope I can bring some discipline and Germany mentality into the team.”

Gor Mahia are currently fifth on the FKF Premier League table standings with 27 points, six behind leaders Kakamega Homeboyz.

Spier says he has what it takes to transform the club and appease their ever-demanding fans.

“I know we must be responsible in front of our fans; we have to respect them and make them happy. I can assure our fans that we will play attractive football and we will do our best to make them happy. The attitude of the players will create a big impact to the result,” said Spier.

“I’m always happy to promote young players who can even play for the national team and become champions with Gor Mahia. Of course internationally, we must present ourselves on a higher level.”