McKinstry Explains Why He Lost Transfer Targets to Tusker, Bandari, AFC Leopards, and Police

Outgoing Gor Mahia Coach Johnathan McKinstry Reveals Why He Lost Transfer Targets to Rivals

Johnathan McKinstry, the outgoing head coach of Gor Mahia, has admitted to losing preferred transfer targets to rivals like Tusker, Bandari, AFC Leopards, and Kenya Police due to significant challenges during his tenure.

As McKinstry transitions to his new role as head coach of the Gambia national team, he reflected on the difficulties he faced in signing players over the past two years. His contract with Gor Mahia, which expires at the end of June, marks the end of a challenging yet triumphant period.

McKinstry began his stint at Gor Mahia under challenging circumstances, managing the club with just 18 players for the first six months due to a transfer embargo imposed by FIFA. This restriction was lifted in March 2023, allowing him to reinforce the squad, which played a crucial role in securing back-to-back trophies.

Despite lifting the embargo, financial difficulties persisted. Gor Mahia’s elimination from the CAF Champions League last season was due to unpaid dues to former player Sando Yangayay. McKinstry noted that while the club is slowly regaining financial stability, it still faces significant challenges in attracting top-tier players.

He highlighted that rival Kenyan teams, including AFC Leopards, Tusker, Bandari, and Kenya Police, have been able to offer better financial packages to players, making it difficult for Gor Mahia to compete in the transfer market. McKinstry emphasized that although progress is being made, the club is not yet back to its peak level of 18 months ago.

“With the sponsors coming in and everything, we are getting back that healthy status of K’Ogalo but let us not kid ourselves. We are not back to the level we were 18 months ago,” McKinstry told Citizen TV. “There are players we have wanted to bring in over the last 18 months but been outbid by Tusker, Bandari, AFC Leopards, and Police. All these teams have been able to pay higher signing-on fees and salaries than K’Ogalo are currently able to pay.”

He stressed the need for patience and a gradual approach to rebuilding the club’s financial stability. “Let us not think we are back to that level. It is coming, but it is a step-by-step process,” he concluded.

ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo has supported the club with grants, supplementing the funds they receive from their shirt sponsor SportPesa. Additionally, TV broadcasters Azam and KBC have also contributed to the financial stability of the club, aiding in its gradual recovery.

As McKinstry departs, he leaves behind a legacy of resilience and perseverance, having navigated Gor Mahia through challenging times and laying the groundwork for future stability and success.