Gor Mahia head coach Johnathan McKinstry has claimed that their players are snubbing big-money deals to remain with the Football Kenya Federation Premier League champions.

In the current transfer season, Bandari, Police, and Tusker have massively bolstered their squads with top-level players, and these clubs have been linked with a number of players from Gor Mahia.

Gad Mathews, in particular, had been reported to be on his way to Bandari, but the deal fell through in the last stages of the talks as the goalkeeper did not travel to agree personal terms with the Dockers. Austin Odhiambo had been linked with a move away from K’Ogalo, but opted to sign a new deal. 

Transfers and signings

“The signings we are making are about helping us retain our league title because if you think Tusker, Police, Bandari, and KCB are going to just sit around this season, then you are fooling yourself. We have already seen the movements they are making and the money they are spending.

“Some of the players have been offered more money by other clubs, but snubbed them to stay with us because they want to play for us, which is the attitude I want,” McKinstry explained, as quoted by a local media publication.

However, Dennis Ng’ang’a, Peter Lwasa, and Shafik Kagimu have already left Gor Mahia, with Ng’ang’a signing for Zambian Super League side Zanaco FC.

Weak FKF PL?

The champions have signed Kennedy Onyango, a defender from Nairobi City Stars, Kevin Juma, a midfielder from Nzoia Sugar, and Lawrence Juma returning to the club.

In the 2023/24 season, Gor Mahia will be keen to retain the title, but McKinstry had to defend their league title against claims that last season was an easy run.

“If you look at the points Tusker scored last season, that is more than the points Tusker have collected in any of their title-winning seasons.

“69 points is the highest number of points a team barring Gor Mahia have gained in the last 20 years. Second, third, and even fourth-placed teams had more points than any other similarly placed teams in recent seasons.

“The top five collected more points this season than at any point in the last 15 or 20 years. Only K’Ogalo have ever hit the 70-point mark in the modern era. We managed to do it again this season.

“The idea that the league was weak last season just does not stack up because when you look at the statistics, the season Gor finished on 78 points, and the second-placed side that season had 58 or 59. It took 70 points to win the title this season. It ranks fifth among all title wins in history. It was a good season.”

Tusker and Gor Mahia fought to the end of the season, as the former claimed the title on the final matchday. Police and Nzoia Sugar were also in the title mix but faded towards the end of the competition.