Former Gor Mahia Head Coach Johnathan McKinstry hopes to see the players he worked with and the Harambee Stars perform well, but he has warned that he will be chasing six points from the Kenyan side.

McKinstry, a two-time FKF Premier League winner with Gor Mahia, has taken over the Gambia national team with the side se to face Kenya in the qualifiers.

McKinstry wishes

He acknowledged that while his long-term goal is to see the Harambee Stars succeed, he is aware that the two teams will meet soon, and he will not be wishing them well in the coming months as they will be direct rivals.

“In the long term, you are correct that I hope to see the Kenya national team and especially the players that I’ve worked with do well,” McKinstry told Gor Mahia TV.

“However, in the short term, that isn’t necessarily my objective because I’m sure you’re aware Gambia and Kenya are in the same World Cup qualifying group. So it won’t be so long until I’m back here in the away dugout, hopefully at Kasarani once it’s renovated.

“So actually, I won’t be wishing the Kenyan team well for the next 18 months because we are direct rivals,” McKinstry emphasized.

The former Uganda and Rwanda national team coach made his intentions clear, stating that he will be eyeing maximum points when the two sides meet in the qualifiers.

“I wish Harambee Stars all the very best. I understand it’s a very difficult job. And yeah, I hope they win six of their remaining eight World Cup qualifiers. But I’m sorry to tell you that I intend to take six points when we come back with Gambia,” he concluded.

The Gambia national team officially confirmed McKinstry’s appointment on a two-year deal. The announcement came just three days after he guided the Green Army to their second straight Premier League title and a record 21st in the history of the domestic league.

McKinstry record

Gor Mahia were crowned champions with three matches to spare after achieving an unassailable 67 points.

McKinstry faced significant challenges upon his arrival, inheriting a team amidst turmoil, serving a FIFA transfer ban, operating with a lean squad, and struggling to conduct effective training sessions due to off-field issues.

Despite these hurdles, McKinstry’s first season proved triumphant as he guided Gor Mahia to clinch the Kenyan Premier League title. Adding to their success, McKinstry led Gor Mahia to victory in the 2023-24 FKF Charity Shield, securing silverware once again with a win over Kakamega Homeboyz.

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