Masika, who has played for Harambee Stars four times, has not yet fulfilled his potential since gaining attention at Wazito in 2019. Gor Mahia’s head coach, Jonathan McKinstry, has shared his plan to help Musa Masika reach his long-unrealized potential now that he is starting to find his rhythm with Gor Mahia.
Masika got a rare start against AFC Leopards but was substituted off after 35 minutes. Despite this, he worked well with Rooney Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, and Sharrif Musa on the right flank, causing significant problems for the Leopards.
The unpredictable attacking midfielder moved to Gor Mahia mid-season on a free transfer from KCB, although he didn’t play much in the first half of the season due to injuries. However, he has been gaining match fitness through cameo appearances and had earned the right to start against Leopards but had to be taken off after their goalkeeper, Kevin Omondi, was sent off for fouling Leopards’ Victor Omune.
McKinstry described Masika as a highly talented player he had admired for a while and shared his vision for the agile attacker. “Musa is a player we have been interested in for a while, hugely talented,” McKinstry said.
“He is one of those players in Kenya who maybe didn’t fulfill their talent in the early years for one or two reasons. We have quite a few of them on this team. There are a lot of players who went off the radar, like Austin Odhiambo, who many people considered a troublemaker, not just here but in the league as a whole.”
Masika’s adaptability and understanding of the game were evident as he seamlessly transitioned between positions, showcasing his versatility and strategic intelligence.
McKinstry emphasized the value of having such intelligent and skilled players in the squad, acknowledging the disappointment felt by those left out of the matchday squad due to the abundance of talent available.
“Musa has barely played for KCB this season, but we remember last season when he played a significant role and then admitted to us he was not match fit and needed time. He is getting to a stage where he can play 90 minutes now, but his football intelligence is so high. I know you saw him and Rooney Onyango, old friends who grew up together, and having them on that side, I think you saw in the build-up phase, Musa at right back and Rooney in the number 8 position.
Looking forward, McKinstry expressed confidence in Masika’s continued growth and success, highlighting his untapped potential and the promising future that lies ahead.
Masika’s resilience and impact serve as a testament to the depth of talent within Gor Mahia and the club’s commitment to nurturing young players.
In conclusion, Masika’s performance in the face of adversity exemplifies the spirit and potential within Kenyan football, with McKinstry’s commendations underscoring the significance of Masika’s contributions to Gor Mahia’s success. As McKinstry aptly stated, “There is a lot more to come for him,” signaling a bright future for the talented midfielder.
