Gor Mahia head coach Johnathan McKinstry is set to return to the team on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, after his stint leading the Gambian National Football Team in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. McKinstry’s temporary departure saw him guide the Gambian team to a 5-1 victory against Seychelles in their Group F match.
Gor Mahia Chairman Ambrose Rachier announced that McKinstry will be officially released from the club after the team’s final Premier League match of the season on June 23, 2024, against Bidco United in Machakos.
“We are expecting him back on Wednesday to accomplish his assignment with us before we can officially release him. He will be in charge of our three remaining matches before officially parting ways with us on mutual agreement,” said Rachier.
McKinstry is anticipated to oversee Gambia’s upcoming qualifying match against Gabon on Tuesday night, with Gabon currently occupying second place in Group F. Following this, he is scheduled to arrive in Kenya on Wednesday to lead Gor Mahia in their remaining FKF Premier League matches. These matches include fixtures against Sofapaka on Sunday, June 16, Talanta on Wednesday, June 19, and Bidco United on Sunday, June 23, which will be McKinstry’s final match with the club.
Gor Mahia Chairman Rachier stated that the club will proceed to appoint a new coach only after McKinstry’s departure.
“We are delighted that fresh from coaching our beloved club Gor Mahia, he has made a mark at the International level handing Gambian their first win in group F of the World Cup qualifiers,” noted Rachier.
Rachier clarified that McKinstry’s contract with Gor Mahia was still active when he was appointed as head coach of the Gambia national team in May. However, they reached an agreement to release him on the condition that he would see Gor through to the end of the league season.
Despite his imminent departure, McKinstry had already secured Gor’s record 21st premier league title with three matches remaining before taking a two-week leave. He had also guided the team to the league title in the previous season.
However, Gor was unable to participate in the CAF Champions League due to issues with club licensing, resulting in FIFA’s suspension of the club. Rachier emphasized that the unveiling of McKinstry’s successor will be done at an appropriate time to avoid having two head coaches simultaneously.
McKinstry, who joined Gor Mahia in July 2022, expressed his fondness for the club before departing for Gambia, stating that he would closely follow their progress in the CAF Champions League and wished them success. Currently, four Gor Mahia players are representing their respective national teams: Rooney Onyango, Benson Omalla, and Austin Odhiambo for Harambee Stars, and Patrick Sibomana for the Rwandan national team. McKinstry has previously coached the Uganda Cranes, as well as the national teams of Rwanda and Seychelles.
