McKinstry discusses the radical squad surgery he intends to conduct at Gor Mahia

Photo credit || Gor Mahia

FOOTBALL McKinstry discusses the radical squad surgery he intends to conduct at Gor Mahia

Joel Omotto 11:40 - 05.07.2023

The tactician feels he will have to make tough decisions if K’Ogalo have to retain their league title and compete in the CAF Champions League.

Gor Mahia head coach Johnathan McKinstry admits he will have to be brutal with his players if they have to defend their FKF Premier League title while also competing in the CAF Champions League next season.

Gor were hampered by their inability to sign new players due to the transfer ban last season but with the ban lifted, they are set to be among the busiest teams in the market as they seek a deep squad full of quality and experience.

While McKinstry is not putting pressure on his players to go far in the continental competition, he feels those who have done duty for the club in the just-concluded season need to be challenged greatly if they have to make an impact and also retain their league title.

“We have to keep pushing forward in every area. We have won the league this season but by no means are we the perfect team or finished team,” said McKinstry.

“In all areas of the team from the defensive line right through the forward line, we are looking to add more competition.

“What you might find are guys who were first 11 this season may find themselves squad players next season. That’s the nature of growth, no one stands still.

“You look in England, Manchester City won the treble yet they were still putting in a £90m bid for Declan Rice. He was going to take the place of someone who won the treble had the deal gone through. He was not going to Manchester City to be a substitute.

“It is the nature of sustained success, you cannot sit and wait, you have to continue going forward.”

The changes have already begun at K’Ogalo with Ugandans Patrick Kaddu and Shafik Kagimu reported to be among those on their way out while highly-rated Kariobangi Sharks attacker Tyson Otieno and former Wazito FC right-back Rooney Onyango among those said to be on their radar.

McKinstry also feels while making additions to the playing unit is crucial, there will still be room for youth in the team like last season, when he elevated a number of youngsters while backing himself and his coaching team to improve them.

“I have always backed myself to develop players on the grass and coming into this club, the question was can we make these players better? That is not just about a transfer ban it's one of the things I’m talking to our executive about,” he added.

“Yes, we need to sign players but we also need to invest in our coaching staff, in the technology. It is not just about signing players to make the team better, it’s also about coaching the players you have to make them better players to reach their potential.

“Like Benson Omala, Joshua Onyango, Paul Ochuga, all young players that have come through the youth ranks and who are now really flourishing and we want to see more of that.”

Given the players already being linked to Gor, the Northern Irishman seems to be staying true to his sentiments that the club will likely shop locally due to the high prices of players playing in neighbouring countries, especially Tanzania and Ethiopia.