‘We will be ready for the challenge’ – McKinstry issues rallying call as Gor Mahia scent title

© Gor Mahia

FKFPL ‘We will be ready for the challenge’ – McKinstry issues rallying call as Gor Mahia scent title

Joel Omotto 05:30 - 09.06.2023

The Northern Irishman has sought to calm the nerves of the players and fans with K’Ogalo two wins away from reclaiming the league crown

Gor Mahia coach Jonathan McKinstry has promised to do everything within his powers to ensure K’Ogalo reclaim the Football Kenya Federation Premier League title in the remaining two games.

Gor are just two wins away from winning a record extending 20th league crown after seeing Tusker crowned in the last two seasons and were handed a massive advantage when the brewers lost to Wazito FC while they beat Ulinzi Stars last weekend.

That has left them with 67 points while Robert Matano’s men have 65 with their next two matches against the unpredictable Kakamega Homeboyz and Nairobi City Stars.

With the pressure of winning the title building, the Northern Irishman has sought to calm the nerves of the players and fans by insisting his team will be ready for the challenge.

“Planning for a strong finish to Gor Mahia’s Football Keya Federation Premier League season. We expect two tough encounters against teams who will give everything to take the points. We will be ready for the challenge to ensure K’Ogalo carries the day,” the former Uganda Cranes coach said via a Twitter post.

The title fate is out of Tusker’s hands and they will be hoping for some favours from Homeboyz and City Stars, while ensuring they beating Posta Rangers and the relegated Vihiga Bullets, to make it three in a row.

The top spot has changed hands three times in the last two months and it will not be a surprise if more twists are witnessed. Gor came into April holding a four-point lead but let it slip as Tusker pipped them, having won their game in hand.

Matano’s side then surrendered the initiative in early May only to be handed the advantage when K’Ogalo drew away to Wazito before losing to AFC Leopards.

With Matano’s men enjoying a one-point lead ahead of last weekend’s match, the margins were tight and had to win away to Wazito to maintain their advantage.

However, as it has become the norm this season, Muhoroni proved a tough hunting ground as Collins Neto’s two goals silenced Tusker to swing the title race in favour of Gor.

It is now down to Homeboyz to stop Gor if Tusker have to close in and they will be counting on the two teams’ last five meetings which have seen the Kakamega-based side win two while drawing one with McKinstry’s men winning twice.

Gor edged the league encounter 1-0 in Kakamega in January but Homeboyz exerted revenge in April when they eliminated K’Ogalo from the FKF Cup following a similar victory.

The 19-time champions will, however, also be encouraged by Homeboyz’s recent run which has seen them lose three of their last five matches.