McKinstry’s hope for Gor Mahia high despite Champions League setback
By Joel Sang, July 29, 2023Gor Mahia head coach Johnathan McKinstry is confident in the Football Kenya Federation’s side despite their expulsion from the CAF Champions League.
‘K’Ogalo’ were set to represent Kenya in the Champions League after winning the league title but were excluded from the draw following complaints lodged by former players at FIFA.
The three who put Gor Mahia in a difficult position are Jules Ulimwengu from Burundi, Malian goalkeeper Adama Keita, and Yangayay Sando Sando from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
McKinstry exudes confidence
“The players, though disappointed, have shown resilience, and I am happy with how they have responded in training.
“Yes, they are hurt, but we are not dealing with a 10-year-old who will throw tantrums because he did not get what he wanted. The players are mature and professional players, and they know they cannot get distracted a lot by something they are not in control of.
“I am also not affected by things over which I am not in control, so whatever happened, happened, and I let that pass.
“We as Gor Mahia need to get ourselves back on track and focus on what is important,” McKinstry said on the sidelines of a luncheon hosted by the Ministry of Sports for Kenya’s outstanding legends on Friday, July 28, at a Nairobi hotel.
The events that led to Gor Mahia’s expulsion from the 2023-24 Champions League campaign caught the attention of Sports Cabinet Secretary, Ababu Namwamba, who criticised the team’s leadership for putting the club in a messy situation.
“Gor Mahia, you have embarrassed me. I had big plans for you, but you have let me down. Why did you keep quiet until the last minute? Why did you not tell your Minister of Sports when I have an open-door policy?
“Instead of coming out and saying there is a problem, you waited up to the last minute. Why should your Minister of Sports learn about these things in the media?” an angry Namwamba lamented.
Financial strength
Meanwhile, in the current transfer window, Gor Mahia were linked with a number of stars, including Tyson Otieno. The midfielder, however, ended up signing for Premier League side Police from Kariobangi Sharks, and McKinstry has explained why they had to cool their interest in some players.
“Financially speaking, Gor Mahia are ranked fourth or even fifth in the Premier League. There are teams with stronger financial muscle than us, and we cannot put pressure on the team knowing the financial situation we are in currently. In the financial pecking order, we are not at the top.
“We have been in a difficult position, and we cannot make demands that put the club in another difficult situation.
“That is why we had targets but did not pursue them because the financial situation did not allow it. We need to operate with the resources available because we have to understand our position quickly.
“But all in all, we are confident, and we hope we will be in a better position in the new season that is possibly starting in a matter of weeks.”