Kenya Premier League win was unexpected; we're ahead of schedule – McKinstry

Photo credit || Gor Mahia

FOOTBALL Kenya Premier League win was unexpected; we're ahead of schedule – McKinstry

Peter Tabu • 09:27 - 29.06.2023

K'Ogalo claimed their record-extending 20th league title on the season's final day with a 4-1 comeback win over Nairobi City Stars, edging Tusker FC, who lost the title by a single point.

Gor Mahia head coach Jonathan McKinstry has dropped a bombshell, revealing that winning the Kenya Premier League with the side was a two-year project rather than what happened last weekend.

K'Ogalo claimed their record-extending 20th league title on the season's final day with a 4-1 comeback win over Nairobi City Stars, edging Tusker FC, who lost the title by a single point.

"Winning the Kenya Premier League wasn't expected; we're ahead of schedule, that's for sure, because we thought it was going to be a two-year project, but we did it in ten months," McKinstry revealed.

"And so, it's about accessing and making some tough decisions as we try and look to go as far as we can on the continent," he added.

The Northern Irishman added that other projects on the African continent, like Young Africans, have also taken time to be built.

"Tanzania's Young Africans didn't go to the final (CAF Confederation Cup) in year one; it's about building and making sure it's sustainable so that we have success in a long time," he noted.

Gor Mahia is expected to play in the CAF Champions League to reach the group stages for the first time since 1992.

However, McKinstry will be expected to beef up his squad to compete favourably, with the team struggling financially last season.

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

It remains to be seen if current chairman Ambrose Rachier will have the financial muscle to strengthen the squad.

The Kenya Premier League is expected to sign a TV rights deal with leading Tanzanian broadcaster Azam TV for the upcoming seasons.

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