Gor Mahia head coach Sinisa Mihic has attributed the team’s struggles to the poor quality of football pitches used for FKF Premier League matches, saying it prevents his players from executing the kind of football he envisions.
Mihic, who was overseeing his first match as the club’s permanent coach, secured a 2-1 win against Mathare United but was left frustrated by his team’s inability to convert chances. Despite the victory, he pointed out that the uneven playing surface made it difficult for Gor Mahia to play a fluid, attacking game.
“On this kind of pitch, where the ball keeps bouncing unpredictably, it’s difficult to play the way we want. You have to adapt and play tactical football,” Mihic said. “You can only play good football on a good pitch. Here, one pass takes too long to control, and you end up losing possession.”
The Croatian tactician, who holds a UEFA Pro License, emphasized that his team had to adjust by playing more direct football. He believes the state of the pitch forces teams to abandon intricate build-up play and instead rely on long balls and physical battles.
Despite the challenges, Mihic remains optimistic that Gor Mahia will improve as he gains a better understanding of his squad. “Now I know my team better. We have to move forward, be happy with the three points, and improve on our mistakes,” he added.
Gor Mahia’s win saw them close the gap on league leaders Kenya Police FC and Tusker, but Mihic is determined to see his team perform better. He has urged the relevant authorities to improve the quality of football pitches to allow teams to play the game as it should be.
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