Gor Mahia coach McKinstry has expressed confidence that he will help the Kenyan giants retain their Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League title this season.
Under his watch in the last campaign, K’Ogalo secured a record 20th title after reclaiming it from rivals Tusker on the final day of the season.
With only six days left before the 2023-24 season gets underway, the Northern Irish tactician has remained bullish he will deliver another league title for K’Ogalo faithful at the end of the season.
“We enter the final week of Football Kenya Federation Premier League preparations in a determined mood,” said the former Uganda Cranes coach, adding: “Still plenty for Gor Mahia to do, but we are on the right track as we work to retain the championship.”
Gor Mahia will chase for the league title and the domestic FKF Cup after they were expelled from the Caf Champions League for failure to meet the CAF licensing rules.
Though it was difficult for K’Ogalo to swallow the exit, McKinstry insist they will use the absence from the inter-club competition to double their efforts in the remaining competitions.
“The exit (from Champions League) was beyond myself and my players, it is something we could not control so it is beyond us now, it happened it is now water under the bridge, my players were affected (missing out on a chance to play and showcase their skills in continental football) but we have dusted ourselves and are looking forward to the new season,” added McKinstry.
Last season, Gor Mahia secured the title after amassing 70 points, one more than Tusker. They managed 20 wins, 10 draws and suffered only four defeats. K’Ogalo have already beefed up their squad with the signings of Lawrence Juma from AS Kigali in Rwanda, Kevin Juma from Nzoia Sugar, and goalkeeper Kevin Omondi from Sofapaka.
Gor Mahia will kick off their title defence with a fixture against Sofapaka on August 26.
