‘Still plenty for Gor Mahia to do’ – McKinstry ahead of FKF PL title defence campaign
By Joel Sang, August 20, 2023Gor Mahia head coach Johnathan McKinstry has said there is still more for the Football Kenya Federation Premier League champions to do ahead of the 2023/24 season.
Gor Mahia have been in camp preparing for the new campaign for some time now, and even though the former Rwanda and Uganda head coach is optimistic, he says they have a lot to do.
McKinstry hopeful
“We enter the final week of Football Kenya Federation Premier League preparations in a determined mood.
“Still plenty for Gor Mahia to do, but we are on the right track as we work to retain the championship,” McKinstry said in a statement.
Champions League setback
Keen eyes will follow Gor Mahia’s title defense campaign, especially after they were faced with a setback when they were barred from participating in the CAF Champions League. Their candidacy in the continental club competition was not accepted as they had pending cases with former players in regard to salaries and allowances.
With Champions League dashed hopes now in the past, K’Ogalo will hope to defend the Premier League title and participate in the next edition. McKinstry’s main job is to boost the morale of his players after failing to brush shoulders with their continental rivals.
New signings
The Kenyan giants have bolstered their squad with the signings of Kevin Omondi, a goalkeeper from Sofapaka; Kevin Juma from Nzoia Sugar; Kennedy Onyango, a centre-back from Nairobi City Stars; and Alvin Ochieng and Rooney Onyango from Talanta and Wazito FC, respectively.
Their midfield has also been bolstered by the return of Lawrence Juma, who was a key player for the club during his first stint.
The club’s fans, and football fanatics at large, will want to see how products from the junior side will fare given that the transfer ban was lifted and new players signed.
Caleb Otieno, Dolph Owino, Paul Ochuoga, Jerome Wangai, Gilbert Otieno, Parmenas Ochola, and Lloyd Khavuchi all hope to play primary roles under McKinstry in the upcoming season that will start in a matter of days.