Johnathan McKinstry bids farewell to Gor Mahia after sealing FKF Premier League glory

Johnathan McKinstry bids farewell to Gor Mahia after sealing FKF Premier League glory

Festus Chuma 09:43 - 20.05.2024

The Northern Irishman led Gor Mahia to their 21st league title before departing for a coaching role in Gambia.

Gor Mahia's head coach Johnathan McKinstry delivered his parting words after leading the team to clinch their 21st Football Kenya Federation Premier League title. 

In a decisive match on Sunday at the SportPesa Arena in Murang'a, K'Ogalo secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Muhoroni Youth.

McKinstry, who is set to leave for Gambia to assume a national team coaching role, shared his thoughts and emotions during this significant moment. 

"I’m extremely pleased and proud of the boys. Before the game, I told them to go out and put it all together. They were extremely excellent," McKinstry expressed in a post-match interview as per Nation.

The outgoing coach, who has been instrumental in Gor Mahia's recent successes, acknowledged the challenges and achievements of his tenure.

"Some people think that coaches are magicians but we are just people. When I came in here, K’Ogalo was adrift at sea and the task was to get them back to number one," he added.

Under McKinstry's guidance, Gor Mahia has not only reclaimed their status as champions but has done so with an impressive margin, finishing 11 points clear of their closest competitors.

 "Today we have set the standard as champions with 11 points clear of second place. I hope that as I leave, we put foundations in place to make sure that K’Ogalo goes forward not just in the next two years, but 10 years, and also make a mark on the international scene," McKinstry noted.

The victory was sealed with goals from Benson Omala, Austin Odhiambo, and Boniface Omondi, ensuring that Gor Mahia secured the title with three matches still remaining in the season.

After the celebrations and the conclusion of the match, McKinstry was scheduled to fly out to Gambia last evening.

 His new role involves leading the Gambia national team in the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Seychelles and Gabon. 

Despite his impending departure, McKinstry is set to return to Kenya to steer Gor Mahia in their remaining three matches before his permanent move to Gambia.

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