Tactician Jonathan McKinstry reflects on his debut season at Gor Mahia

Former Uganda Cranes coach Jonathan McKinstry has opened up about his debut season at the helm of reigning Kenya Premier League (KPL) champions Gor Mahia.

Speaking on the One on One YouTube podcast with sports journalist Jeff Kinyanjui, McKinstry noted that his journey to the summit of Kenyan football was one filled with a myriad of challenges and unexpected triumphs.

McKinstry, for instance, did not envision his squad lifting the KPL title in his first season in charge.

"I think it was definitely ahead of schedule. When I came in, I always thought it was a two-year project," said McKinstry, while acknowledging that the club's Chairman Ambrose Rachier brought him up to speed with some of the challenges he would experience as manager of the top-tier club.

The tactician's expectations for the 2022/23 were particularly low because of a transfer ban that barred Gor Mahia from acquiring new talents to add on to their fledging squad of 18 players while the departure of key players likewise jeopardized the team's chemistry.

Despite having a mountain to climb, McKinstry and his coaching staff weathered the storm, setting individual targets for every player and supporting them in every step of the way.

The turning point for McKinstry and his squad came after a hard-fought 2-1 win against Bandari FC at the hostile Mbaraki Sports Club. The victory, he says, made them believe that their dream of winning the league was not as far-fetched as they had initially imagined.

Gor Mahia's passionate and vocal fans likewise contributed to the squad's change in confidence.

"There is no finer example than the final game of the season against Nairobi City Stars. We knew (we would win) as soon as we scored in that game, because we had around 14,000 fans at the Kasarani Stadium on that day. The energy just washed over the whole stadium," McKinstry told Kinyanjui.

Despite having the backing of fans, McKinstry noted that the Gor Mahia gig is one laden with pressure since opposing teams more often than not bring their A-game when facing K’Ogalo, elevating the intensity of any and all fixtures.

"Here in Kenya, every player who does not play for Gor Mahia wants to play for Gor Mahia," said McKinstry, highlighting the allure of the club in the region.

While noting that Gor Mahia has the potential to attract big footballing prospects, McKinstry stated that financial constraints have hindered the club from realising its full potential and competing with other clubs on the same level as Gor.

"I rang up some players who were running out of contract. Guys playing in Ethiopia, Djibouti, Tanzania and was saying to them would you be interested in the project here at K'Ogalo and the answer was always Yes," he said.

"But then when I ask the player in Ethiopia how much are you earning and he is telling me 5,000 dollars per month. We can't afford that. No team in Kenya can afford that."

McKinstry likewise rubbished claims that the local league is morphing into 'a farmer's league', noting that during the 2022/23 season the top five teams collected more points than in any other season in the past 15-20 years. This, he says, points to how competitive the league is getting.

When asked about his plans to improve his squad ahead of the 2023/24 season, McKinstry noted that he wants to add competition and depth to his squad's offensive and midfield departments. He is also ready to cut the squad by selling a number of fringe players.

Regarding his own future with Gor, McKinstry stated that his stay would depend on whether the ambitions of the coaching staff, players, club management and fans align with his.

He also revealed that the contract he signed with Gor Mahia was the least remunerative he had accepted in 15 years, indicating his commitment to the project.

McKinstry however insisted that should a point of divergence between himself and the club ever materialise, he would part ways with Gor albeit amicably.

"Whatever comes after Gor Mahia will be dictated by what happens at Gor Mahia," he said, while adding that he remains committed to taking Gor Mahia to greater heights in the seasons to come.

McKinstry's squad has since returned back for pre-season training as they prepare to defend their title during the upcoming season.