'Title is not won or lost in November'- Gor Mahia coach McKinstry bullish ahead of tricky Murang'a Seal clash

Photo Credit: Johnathan McKinstry

FKFPL 'Title is not won or lost in November'- Gor Mahia coach McKinstry bullish ahead of tricky Murang'a Seal clash

Mark Kinyanjui 11:30 - 11.11.2023

Gor Mahia coach Johnathan McKinstry is not worried by his side missing glorious chances in their recent matches and is confident they will getting it right starting with Murang'a Seal

Gor Mahia head coach Johnathan McKinstry insists that the only time the league standing will matter is come the end of the season in May after missing out on a chance to go top following their underwhelming draw with Kenya Police last Sunday.

K’Ogalo created minimal chances as a spirited Police, led by their former coach Zdravko Logarusic, managed to hold firm to deny the 20-time league champions all the three points last weekend and they take on high-flying Murang'a Seal needing victory to keep pace with leaders Posta Rangers. 

McKinstry has drawn comparisons between this season and last when it had to take untill the last week of the season for the side to get first place.

“The only time it matters when you are in this league is after matchday 34,” McKinstry said. “Last season, everyone kept talking about K’Ogalo not being in first place all season,” he added.

“But then, we got to the last month of the season and that is where we ended up, so for us, you want to be in the conversation.”

McKinstry is wary of the level of competition in the league, asking people not to underestimate teams that have started slowly, including Police, who he describes as a side with very talented players and an experienced tactician.

“This league is super competitive. Police have had a slow start to the season but have top talented players in that group and they have a good coach who is very experienced as well.”

McKinstry believes the time he has had this week, added to the fact that there is a 10-day window for the international break will give him enough time to prepare by strengthening the weaknesses in the side.

“It is another point, another one added to our collection, another cleansheet and I think now, we have a little time to prepare for the Murang’a Seal game plus the international break," he said. 

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“Really by the time we play Muhoroni Youth after the international break, we expect to have hopefully everyone back fit.”

Gor Mahia will face Murang’a Seal in a broadcasted match this Saturday at the Kasarani Stadium.

K'Ogalo will, however, need to be wary of Murang'a who have not lost any of their last five games and come into the match on the back of two straight wins. 

The newly-promoted team have taken to the Premier League like fish to water and currently occupy third spot on the table with 20 points, same as Gor, and only one behind leaders Posta Rangers.

Murang'a can go top if they beat K'Ogalo and the mailmen fail to secure maximum points, adding further spice to Saturday's clash which has been dubbed SportPesa derby.

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