Gor Mahia head coach Leonardo Neiva has called for sweeping changes to the CAF Champions League, arguing that Africa’s top football powerhouses should be spared from playing in the preliminary rounds. His comments come in the wake of Gor Mahia’s elimination from the competition after a 6-0 aggregate defeat to Egyptian giants Al Ahly.

Despite the team’s best efforts, the Kenyan champions lost 3-0 at Nyayo Stadium in the first leg before suffering another 3-0 defeat in Cairo at the International Stadium.

Reflecting on the campaign, Neiva questioned CAF’s current system, suggesting that teams like Al Ahly, TP Mazembe, and Mamelodi Sundowns should automatically bypass the early rounds due to their stature in African football.

“I don’t understand why CAF cannot change the format of the preliminary rounds,” Neiva told Gor Mahia TV. “Al Ahly, TP Mazembe, and Mamelodi Sundowns shouldn’t have to play these early fixtures. I’m confident that if Gor Mahia had drawn teams from Botswana, Tanzania, Uganda, or Angola, we would have had a better chance to proceed. But the boys played well.”

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Neiva also highlighted the stark difference in resources and facilities between clubs like Al Ahly and others across the continent.

“The Egyptian League is the strongest, in my opinion, and getting to that level is a process. I hope that here in Kenya, we will grow together. We cannot compare the facilities that Al Ahly have to other countries, which is why they are on a different level,” he added.

With their continental campaign over, Gor Mahia will now shift their focus to the FKF Premier League, where they are set to begin the season with a fixture against Mathare United.