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Outgoing Gor Mahia coach Johnathan McKinstry has admitted to losing prefered transfer targets to rivals like Tusker, Bandari and AFC Leopards due to a worrying concern.
Johnathan McKinstry, the outgoing Gor Mahia head coach, has opened up about the numerous challenges he faced in trying to sign his preferred transfer targets during his two-year tenure at the club.
McKinstry’s contract, which expires at the end of June, will see him fully transition to his new role as head coach of the Gambia national team, a side he has already led in two matches.
Taking charge of Gor Mahia under difficult circumstances, McKinstry famously had to manage the club with just 18 players for the first six months due to a transfer embargo imposed by FIFA.
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09:48 - 27.06.2024
The opponent: Zambia's hold over Kenya—A test of mettle at 2024 COSAFA Cup
Zambia face Kenya in the COSAFA Cup battling recent poor form as they aim for an unprecedented third consecutive title.
This restriction was lifted in March 2023, allowing McKinstry to bolster the squad with new players who played pivotal roles in securing back-to-back trophies for the club.
However, financial difficulties continued to plague the club. Gor Mahia was eliminated from the CAF Champions League last season because they failed to settle dues owed to former player Sando Yangayay.
Despite these challenges, McKinstry noted that the club is slowly recovering its financial stability but still has a long way to go before it can attract top-tier players.
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09:00 - 26.06.2024
Gor Mahia official addresses logistical fiasco that threatens CAF Champions League participation
Administrative hinderances cost the team a place among Africa's elite last season.
McKinstry highlighted that rival Kenyan teams, including AFC Leopards, Tusker, Bandari, and Kenya Police, have been able to offer better financial packages to players, making it difficult for Gor Mahia to compete in the transfer market. He emphasized that although the club is making progress, it is not yet back to the level it was 18 months ago.
“With the sponsors coming in and everything, we are getting back that healthy status of K’Ogalo but let us not kid ourselves. We are not back to the level we were 18 months ago,” McKinstry told Citizen TV.
“There are players we have wanted to bring in over the last 18 months but been outbid by Tusker, Bandari, AFC Leopards, and Police. All these teams have been able to pay higher signing-on fees and salaries than K’Ogalo are currently able to pay.”
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07:24 - 28.06.2024
McKinstry reveals specific transfer strategy to propel Gor Mahia to CAF Champions League history
McKinstry. who is set to leave Gor Mahia when his contract expires at the end of June, has revealed the transfer strategy the club will take which will make them do well in the Champions League next season.
He stressed the need for patience and a step-by-step approach to rebuilding the club's financial stability. “Let us not think we are back to that level. It is coming, but it is a step-by-step process,” he concluded.
ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo has supported the club with grants, supplementing the funds they receive from their shirt sponsor SportPesa. Additionally, TV broadcasters Azam and KBC have also contributed to the financial stability of the club, aiding in its gradual recovery.
As McKinstry departs, he leaves behind a legacy of resilience and perseverance, having navigated Gor Mahia through challenging times and laying the groundwork for future stability and success.
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10:23 - 12.06.2024
Five things learnt from Harambee Stars' spirited stalemate against Ivory Coast
Harambee Stars held reigning AFCON holders Ivory Coast to a 0-0 draw. Here are five things we learnt from the match:
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