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Gor Mahia boss Johnathan McKinstry has revealed why fans should be excited about teenage prospect Mark Shaban.
Outgoing Gor Mahia head coach Johnathan McKinstry has heaped praise on teenage sensation Mark Shaban following his impressive cameo in their 1-0 victory over Sofapaka last Saturday.
Shaban, who joined from Green Commandoes in the January transfer window, has largely been a fringe player due to his young age, with more experienced players leading the charge as Gor Mahia pursued their 21st FKFPL title.
In the wake of their league triumph, McKinstry used the match against Sofapaka to give minutes to fringe players, and Shaban was among those who seized the opportunity. “I was really impressed by the substitutions who came in.
Young Mark Shaban, only 17 years old, came on in the last twenty minutes, and almost all our players were trying to pass him the ball. I think you can see in that little glimpse how talented he is given he also had a couple of chances,” McKinstry shared on the club’s social media.
McKinstry also addressed the team's lackluster performance against Sofapaka, attributing it to the effects of a heavy pre-season tournament schedule.
As Gor Mahia gears up for a return to the CAF Champions League group stages next season after a four-year absence, he explained the rationale behind their recent form.
“After the game against Muhoroni Youth four weeks ago, we gave the guys a couple of weeks off because we knew that when the team comes back, we got the Kagame Cup, the pre-season tourney in Nigeria, and the Champions League to prepare for," McKinstry told Gor Mahia Media.
"So we actually started that rest and recovery during the international window. I think we looked like a team that had not played a competitive game for four weeks, but I thought we controlled the game well.”
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16:29 - 18.06.2024
Harambee Stars prospect reveals why he ditched FA Cup giant-slayers Maidstone United for Bath City
Wanjau-Smith, who has previously declared he would like to represent Harambee Stars in future, left suprise FA Cup fifth round finishers Maidstone United to join Bath City.
Gor Mahia will now turn their focus to midweek action when they host 14th-placed Talanta FC in what will be Kogalo’s last home game of the 2023/24 season.
Talanta FC, not yet assured of league safety, will be a critical test as Gor Mahia looks to finish their domestic campaign on a high.
Following the conclusion of the league season, the FKFPL champions are set to represent Kenya in the upcoming Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) Kagame Cup in Tanzania and Zanzibar from July 6-22.
This tournament will serve as a key preparatory step as Gor Mahia aims to make a strong impact in regional and continental competitions.
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12:30 - 18.06.2024
Relief for Harambee Stars as AFCON 2025 qualifiers likely to be hosted on home soil after all
Nyayo Stadium could be available for use by September, which now means Harambee Stars won't have to host their home matches abroad again, having played Burundi and Ivory Coast in Malawi.
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