McKinstry sheds light on Gad Mathews Gor Mahia absence
By Joel Sang, August 1, 2023Gor Mahia head coach Johnathan McKinstry has revealed why goalkeeper Gad Mathews has not joined his teammates for pre-season.
Mathews absence has been conspicuous, and that led to rumours that he might have left the club, but the coach has explained why he has not been seen training during the pre-season.
Absence explained
“Yes, Gad has not been with us in training, but it is not about what people are saying out here. He has not been with the rest of the players for private issues, which he shared with me.
“You know, people have said he has left Gor Mahia, but that is far from the truth. Rumours will be peddled, and if one out of 10 is correct, then people will tend to remember the rumour that turned out right and forget the nine they missed.
“But what I know is that Gad is still with us, and after what has kept him away is over, he will join us,” Mckinstry said.
The former Kariobangi Sharks goalkeeper had been linked with Bandari, and even one of the officials from the Dockers claimed an agreement over the transfer of the experienced goalkeeper had been reached.
Transfer speculation
After parting ways with 11 players, Bandari are expected to bring on board the same number or more players before the season begins later in August. It was, therefore, natural for Mathews to be linked with a move to the coastal outfit.
Rumours about Mathews‘ future became particularly trending after it emerged the reigning Football Kenya Federation Premier League champions had signed former Sony Sugar goalkeeper Kevin Omondi from Sofapaka.
But going by McKinstry’s assertion, Mathews is all set to stay and continue serving the record Premier League champions. Last season, he was integral to the race to win the title as he stood out between the goalposts.
The former Kariobangi Sharks goalkeeper kept 17 clean sheets and ended up winning the Golden Glove award jointly with Nzoia Sugar’s Humphrey Katasi.
With the focus fully on the 2023–24 season, Gor Mahia have bolstered their squad with the signings of Kevin Juma from Nzoia Sugar and Kennedy ‘Vidic’ Onyango from Nairobi City Stars.
A number of players are still linked with Gor Mahia, and it is only a matter of time before it becomes public who has been signed by the league giants.