English-Finnish coach Steven George Pollack has officially parted ways with Kenyan Premier League giants Gor Mahia, the club has confirmed.
Pollack, who had initially asked for ten days off, has asked the club to release him from contractual duties that bound him to the glamour club until the end of next year citing economic challenges which affected the club due to Coronavirus pandemic.
“We can confirm that the club has parted ways with coach Steven Pollack on mutual agreement,” Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier said in a statement seen by Ducor Sports on Friday.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””] “We had a discussion with him and received a letter as well to facilitate the agreement. We would like to thank him for his time at Gor Mahia.” [/perfectpullquote]
Following the developments, assistant coach Patrick Odhiambo, who has been conducting training with the players as part of the preparation for next season, is poised to take charge on interim basis.
The former Asante Kotoko gaffer oversaw Gor Mahia during a difficult season where they operated with minimal financial resources owing to the fact they did not have a sponsor.
“The club and I have come to a mutual agreement to terminate my contract due to the economic downturn and Coronavirus pandemic which is not only affecting Gor Mahia but also other clubs and businesses across the world,” the coach said in a letter.
“I would like to say thank you to the club for giving me the opportunity to coach Gor Mahia. I enjoyed working with all staff and all players. I thank them for their hard work… And of course, supporters – you can’t have a club without them…. they are unbelievably the best in Kenya and I really appreciate their support,” he added.
Gor Mahia secretary-general Samuel Ocholla acknowledged receiving the coach’s resignation letter and thanked him for his achievements during his time at the club.
“We are in receipt of your resignation letter. The Executive Committee, management and our fans wish you all the best in your endeavours,” Ocholla concluded.
Pollack joined K’Ogalo in August last year replacing Hassan Oktay who threw the towel under similar circumstances.
Pollack lead Gor Mahia to 2019/2021 Kenyan Premier League title and won several Coach of The Month awards during his short stay with the club.
