Gor Mahia parts ways with Hassan Oktay

Eighteen-time Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions Gor Mahia have parted ways with their title-winning coach Hassan Oktay.

Earlier last week, Oktay asked the club to grant him a few days leave so he may sort some personal problems. Gor Mahia confirmed that the tactician had been given a break through a post on social media.

However, the Turkish Cypriot tactician wrote to Gor Mahia club chairman, Ambrose Rachier asking that he is relieved of his duties at the club. He had asked for six days off to attend to his personal issues in Europe but has asked the club to release him from contractual duties that bound him to K’Ogalo until end of next year.

“Kindly accept my resignation as Gor Mahia FC head coach effective today, the sixth day of August 2019. As you are aware, the decision has been forced on me by the personal challenges I am facing here in Europe. I wish to thank you and the entire club, including the fans for the opportunity you accorded me to manage this great club. I also wish you guys all the best in your forthcoming assignments,” Oktay wrote to club chairman Ambrose Rachier

Earlier when Oktay asked for the leave, there were reports that the club was already looking for a replacement as it was less likely that Oktay would return. As quoted by Goal, Oktay had said that he was not sure whether he would return or not.

Oktay joined Gor Mahia as a replacement for Dylan Kerr and went on to win a record 18th Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title with the side. He has only stayed at Gor for a season. The Turkish Cypriot also helped the club to reach the quarter-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup for the first time in history.

Gor Mahia commences their CAF Champions League campaign at the preliminaries with a two-legged encounter against Black Eagles of Burundi beginning Sunday, 11 August 2019 in Bujumbura. Club legend Dennis Oliech is more likely to take over as caretaker manager while Gor strive to find a replacement for Oktay.