Gor Mahia’s head coach, Johnathan McKinstry, has offered insights into why he believes the Kenyan league is superior to those in Rwanda, Uganda, and Ghana in terms of competitiveness.
McKinstry, who took the helm at Gor Mahia in 2022 following coaching stints in Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Lithuania, Bangladesh, and Uganda, successfully guided the team to their landmark 20th FKF Premier League title, thereby ending a two-year title drought.
The journey to the championship wasn’t easy. The team narrowly edged out Tusker by a mere point, while Kenya Police, Nzoia Sugar, and KCB trailed by six points. Compounding the challenge was managing a lean squad amidst a transfer ban on the club.
In McKinstry’s view, the Kenyan league’s competitive edge is heightened by the broader range of title contenders, unlike in Uganda, Rwanda, and Ghana where the title race is typically dominated by two or three teams.
“The Kenyan league is the most competitive I’ve encountered in a long time,” McKinstry commented on the club’s own channel.
“In Rwanda and Uganda, it’s usually two or three teams vying for the top spot. The same goes for Ghana. But here in Kenya this season, the top six or seven teams are only separated by a few points, making it ultra-competitive. Take, for example, our recent game against Kariobangi Sharks, who were 13th in the league, against us in second place at the time. The match was intensely competitive right up to the 91st-minute goal that clinched all the points. The competitiveness of this league is exceptional. While the quality of facilities is often highlighted as a key factor, it’s not just about the match facilities.”
McKinstry, who has also coached national teams in Sierra Leone, Rwanda, and Uganda, is enjoying a successful run this season. His team ascended to the top of the table following a 2-1 victory over Kariobangi Sharks last Sunday.
Gor Mahia remains the only undefeated team this season, with 27 points, two ahead of the second-placed Posta Rangers, whom they surpassed last weekend. Other teams like Kakamega Homeboyz, KCB, Bandari, Murang’a Seal, and Kenya Police are also in close pursuit, each amassing over 20 points.
Looking ahead, Gor Mahia aims to continue their unbeaten streak as they prepare to host Nzoia Sugar, currently second-to-last, on Saturday.
