)
Johnathan McKinstry marks 50 matches at Gor Mahia, improving stats, nurturing talent, but questions remain about restoring continental glory.
On July 19, 2022, Gor Mahia, the most illustrious football club in Kenya, embarked on a new journey by appointing Irishman Johnathan McKinstry as their head coach.
McKinstry's arrival marked a pivotal moment for the club, which had been grappling with challenges both on and off the pitch.
)
17:00 - 03.12.2023
FOOTBALL Gor Mahia maximize fully on Rangers blip to claim the summit of FKF Premier League
The win against Kariobangi Sharks has contributed to Gor Mahia's impressive record of eight clean sheets in 13 matches during the current season.
As he recently celebrated his 50th match in charge, McKinstry has shown that even in the face of adversity, there is plenty to smile about.
Gor Mahia, with its rich history and remarkable achievements, has always been a symbol of Kenyan football excellence.
The club's crowning achievement came in 1987 when they were crowned champions of the CAF Cup Winners' Cup, making them the only East African side to claim a continental title.
Despite facing numerous obstacles over the years, Gor Mahia has remained a force to be reckoned with in African football.
McKinstry took the reins from German tactician Andreas Spier, who chose not to renew his contract at the end of the previous season.
It was a daunting task ahead for the Irishman, as he inherited a team dealing with a lean squad, a transfer ban, and the challenge of operating on a reduced budget.
However, as he reflected on his 50th match in charge, McKinstry had reason to be proud.
"When I arrived in Nairobi in August '22, the Gor Mahia Chairman told me I was joining at the most challenging period of the club's recent history," McKinstry recalled.
"A lean squad, transfer ban, and operating with a reduced budget. 50 matches later, we have won 2 of the 3 trophies available," he added.
)
16:00 - 17.11.2023
FOOTBALL Gor Mahia handed further sanctions by FKF as Omala and co face disciplinary action over chaos at Kasarani Stadium
Gor Mahia have been handed heavy punishments by FKF just a day after Sports Kenya slapped the club with a Ksh2 million bill for damages caused at Kasarani Stadium.
On Sunday, McKinstry's Gor Mahia claimed the top spot in the FKF Premier League this season, a position they had not achieved in quite some time.
What is more impressive is that their current achievements have been attained with the sixth youngest squad in the league, boasting a winning ratio of 58% and an undefeated ratio of 90% over the past 50 matches.
The team has enjoyed a 14-game unbeaten run in all competitions, a testament to their resilience and McKinstry's tactical prowess.
Comparing the results of the last 50 matches to the previous 50 games, McKinstry highlighted significant improvements: "Number of wins and clean sheets both improved by 53%. The number of defeats have reduced by 58%. While goals scored have increased by 45%, and goals Conceded reduced by 31%."
)
21:59 - 08.08.2023
FKFPL Gor Mahia ordered to fork out two million to pay Harambee Stars midfielder
The versatile player moved to court demanding that Sirkal paid him his outstanding dues in accrued salaries and unpaid signing-on fee, and the court has now ruled the case in his favor.
As McKinstry and his team celebrate their accomplishments, they are also looking ahead to the future.
"Moving forward, the challenge now for officials, staff, and players is to use the foundation that has been laid over the last 16 months to progress further and achieve even greater results over not only the next 50 matches but for many years to come," he concluded.
However, McKinstry's tenure at Gor Mahia has not been without its share of challenges.
)
06:30 - 04.12.2023
FKFPL Former AFC Leopards defender reveals witchcraft incidents in Kenyan football
In a shocking revelation, a former Ingwe player has disclosed persistent witchcraft practices in local football,
When he first joined the club, they were grappling with a FIFA-imposed transfer ban due to alleged debts owed to former players.
While the ban has been recently lifted, it came too late for the club to participate in the CAF Champions League, a missed opportunity that left fans disappointed.
Furthermore, the incident shed light on administrative issues within the club, revealing that there was work to be done beyond the pitch to ensure Gor Mahia's sustained success.
)
16:00 - 01.12.2023
FOOTBALL From neglect to glory: FKF Premier League's road to riches and respect
FKF Premier League redeems itself with KBC partnership, promising rewards, and recognition, bringing hope to players and fans alike.
One bright spot in McKinstry's coaching career has been the emergence of young talent, exemplified by Benson Omala, who finished as the league's second-best scorer.
Omala credits his coach for "sharpening" his game, highlighting McKinstry's role in nurturing the next generation of football stars.
McKinstry's coaching journey has taken him across the globe, with stints at clubs like English side Newcastle United, New York Red Bulls, the Right to Dream Academy in Ghana, and the Craig Bellamy Foundation in Sierra Leone.
Despite having limited senior-level experience, he was appointed as the interim coach for the Sierra Leone national team in 2013 and later served as the national team coach for Rwanda in 2015.
)
20:00 - 03.12.2023
STARS ABROAD Kenyan duo propel Nyasa Big Bullets to historic Malawi Super League triumph
Kenyan players played a crucial role in Nyasa Big Bullets' fifth straight Malawi Super League title win on the final day of the season against Silver Strikers FC.
In November 2018, McKinstry ventured into the Bangladesh Premier League with Saif SC, replacing Englishman Stewart Hall.
Although he resigned from Saif in September 2019, he took on the role of coaching the Uganda Cranes in 2019, only to be relieved of his duties in April 2021.
Johnathan McKinstry's 50 matches at Gor Mahia have been marked by both triumphs and challenges, but his determination and coaching prowess have breathed new life into the club.
As they celebrate their recent successes, Gor Mahia is poised to continue its journey towards greatness, with McKinstry leading the way.
His tenure may have just begun, but the promise of a brighter future for this iconic Kenyan club shines as brightly as ever.
Follow Pulse Sports WhatsApp channel for more updates.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)