Gor Mahia coach Jonathan McKinstry radiates optimism as new season approaches

© Gor Mahia

FKFPL Gor Mahia coach Jonathan McKinstry radiates optimism as new season approaches

Festus Chuma 09:30 - 20.08.2023

The gaffer says Gor Mahia is ready to shine as Premier League kickoff nears

Gor Mahia head coach Jonathan McKinstry has opened up about the team's preparations ahead of the 2023/2024 Football Kenya Federation Premier League season.

The defending champions are gearing up for their opening clash against Sofapaka next Sunday, and the Irishman  is determined to lead his team to another successful campaign.

With just a week left for the league to kick off, McKinstry took to Twitter to share his thoughts, saying, "We enter the final week of Football Kenya Federation Premier League preparations in a determined mood. 

“Still plenty for Gor Mahia to do, but we are on the right track as we work to retain the championship." 

One of the notable highlights of Gor Mahia's preseason activities has been the recruitment of new talent. 

The club has added six fresh faces to their roster, aiming to strengthen their position in the league.

Among the new recruits are goalkeeper Kevin Omondi from Sofapaka, midfielders Kevin Juma from Nzoia Sugar and Lawrence Juma from AS Kigali, as well as defenders Kennedy Onyango from Nairobi City Stars, Rooney Onyango from Wazito, and Alvin Ochieng from FC Talanta. 

Despite facing a transfer ban in the previous season, the team integrated several young players who have now solidified their positions in the squad. 

Goalkeepers Caleb Otieno and Dolph Owino, full-backs Paul Ochuoga, Jerome Bryson Wangai, and Gilbert Otieno, as well as forwards Parmenas Ochola and Lloyd Khavuchi, have all retained their status from the previous season. 

The core of the championship-winning squad remains largely intact, with Coach McKinstry opting to maintain faith in his title-winning players. 

Benson Omalla, who was the top scorer of the previous season, and influential attacking midfielder Austin Odhiambo, both pivotal to the team's success, are confirmed mainstays in the squad.

Leadership within the team continues to be anchored by the experienced duo of Philemon Otieno and Geoffrey Ochieng, who serve as captains. 

Assisting them is long-serving club disciple Earnest Wendo, who holds the role of Assistant Captain.