Former Uganda Cranes coach credits players' efforts in maiden league success

McKinstry (in black) lifts the trophy alongside his players. (XtraTime Sports)

STARS ABROAD Former Uganda Cranes coach credits players' efforts in maiden league success

Peter Tabu • 08:14 - 26.06.2023

McKinstry, who took over at K'Ogalo in July 2022, says the players endured many challenges on and off the pitch to put up a show and become league champions.

Gor Mahia head coach Jonathan McKinstry has lauded his charges for winning the Kenyan Premier League title against all odds, his first club title as a football coach.

McKinstry, who took over at K'Ogalo in July 2022, says the players endured many challenges on and off the pitch to put up a show and become league champions.

"It's fantastic; very few players and coaches get to experience moments like this; it's been so challenging; it was well documented in the preseason when we got a lot of challenges," McKinstry noted.

"There were days we had seven or eight players at training because of off-field issues, and so to come back from that and the transfer ban, I didn't think anyone believed we could win the league."

Gor Mahia had financial struggles during the season, on top of serving a transfer ban resulting from failing to pay former players, forcing the former Uganda Cranes head coach to rope in academy players for cover, which led to many terming them a mid-table team.

"Most people thought that we would be a mid-season team because of the issues we faced during the season, but the players stepped up, grew up a lot, so they deserve it, and they're going to enjoy it," McKinstry added.

With FIFA having lifted the transfer ban on Gor Mahia and clearance from the Football Kenya Federation, the side is expected to return to the CAF Champions League next season.

The Ugandan legion of Shafik Kagimu, Patrick Kaddu and Peter Lwasa was on hand to claim their first league title with the Kenyan giants, who picked up a 20th record title in the club's history.

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