Gor Mahia coach Pinto resigns despite recent FKF Cup glory

Coach Gor Mahia FC Vaz Pinto shaking hands with Philemon Otieno after losing a match 1-0 against Posta Rangers FC during an FKF Premier League match at Kasarani Annex on Wednesday, March 10, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, The Standard]

Record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia on Saturday suffered a huge blow after FKF Cup winning coach Manuel Vaz Pinto left the club.

Pinto left Gor just six days after leading the club to the FKF Cup glory where K'Ogalo edged out rivals AFC Leopards on post-match penalties to qualify for the Caf Confederation Cup next season.

The club confirmed the reports through their official Twitter handle that the Portuguese tactician parted ways with Gor on mutual consent.

“Official! Our coach Manuel Vaz Pinto has parted ways with the club on mutual consent. We appreciate your work and wish you all the best Pinto,” read the statement by Gor Mahia.

Vaz Pinto departure comes in the wake of a 2-1 loss to leaders Tusker which saw K'Ogalo fall off the title race. Gor are fourth in the log with 39 points, 11 points behind leaders Tusker.

Coach Gor Mahia FC Vaz Pinto during an FKF Premier League match against Zoo Kericho FC on Wednesday at Kasarani Stadium, Jan 27, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, The Standard]

In the wake of the outcome, assistant coach Sammy Omollo is expected to stand in until a decision is made by the club.

Vaz Pinto joined Gor in January after K'Ogalo mutually parted ways with Brazilian Roberto Oliveira who lacked paperwork.

After six months, Vaz Pinto managed to win nine matches in the league while registering five losses and three draws.

He was also named the May FKF Premier League coach of the month after guiding the defending champions to a one hundred per cent record in the month, winning all their four matches played in May.