UPDATE: Gor Mahia shortlist 12 candidates from list of over 50 applications for vacant head coach role

UPDATE: Gor Mahia shortlist 12 candidates from list of over 50 applications for vacant head coach role

Mark Kinyanjui 17:45 - 30.05.2024

Gor Mahia boss Ambrose Rachier provides update on the club's search for a new coach.

Gor Mahia  has shortlisted 12 potential candidates to replace Northern Irishman Johnathan McKinstry, who recently left to take over as the head coach of the Gambia national team. 

The club's chairman, Ambrose Rachier, disclosed this information to The Eastleigh Voice, highlighting the intense interest in the position with over 50 applications received.

"We have prepared a shortlist of 12 coaches based on their age, nationality (English language proficiency), qualifications, coaching experience, and salary demands," Rachier explained. 

The criteria set forth by the club emphasize a balanced blend of youth and experience, ensuring the new coach can relate to players while also bringing seasoned expertise to the team. "We want a coach who is not too young or too old," Rachier added.

McKinstry, who was 36 years old when he took over Gor Mahia in August 2022, was the youngest coach in the club's recent history. 

In comparison, previous coaches such as Zdravko Logarusic, Bobby Williamson, Frank Nutall, Ze Maria, Dylan Kerr, Hasan Oktay, and Mark Harrison were 46, 52, 46, 43, 50, 44, and 61 years old, respectively, at the start of their tenures. 

This indicates that Gor Mahia is likely considering candidates within a similar age range, aiming to strike a balance between youthful energy and experienced leadership.

The selection process is being handled by a dedicated committee that will meet on Saturday to review the credentials of the shortlisted candidates and identify the most suitable applicant. 

"The applications came from far and wide," Rachier noted, emphasizing the global interest in the position. "Coaches in Europe and some based in Africa have applied for the job."

At this stage, Gor Mahia has chosen to keep the identities of the applicants confidential. This discretion is due to the fact that some of the candidates are currently under contract with other clubs, and revealing their interest in the Gor Mahia position could complicate their existing commitments.

The qualities that the club is looking for in their next coach are clear. They seek someone with a strong command of the English language, which is crucial for effective communication with players and staff. 

Additionally, the ideal candidate will possess significant coaching qualifications and a solid track record of experience, demonstrating their capability to lead Gor Mahia to further success.

The shortlisted coaches represent a diverse pool of talent, reflecting the club’s ambition to continue its legacy of excellence. 

As the selection committee prepares to make its final decision, fans and stakeholders eagerly await the announcement of who will take the helm and guide Gor Mahia in the upcoming seasons.

In the ever-competitive landscape of Kenyan football, Gor Mahia's next head coach will play a pivotal role in shaping the team's future. 

The club's careful consideration of candidates' age, experience, and linguistic abilities highlights their commitment to making a strategic and impactful choice. As the process unfolds, the football community watches closely, anticipating the next chapter in the storied history of Gor Mahia.

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