Ambitious McKinstry determined to restore Gor's glory in CAF competitions

Gor Mahia players and head coach Johnathan McKinstry celebrate after clinching the FKF Premier League title at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Record FKF Premier League champions Gor Mahia FC have already identified potential signings ahead of next season's CAF Champions League, in which they are hopeful to post good results.

Coach Johnathan McKinstry met some of the new charges he intends to sign for the continental showpiece on Wednesday.

"It's always a difficult decision to do away with some of your good players, but we have planned to bring even best players from across Africa to the team," McKinstry told Standard Sports.

"I have already negotiated with the incoming players, that's the only way to stay ahead of other teams in the league and to prepare for CAF, it's all about moving forward."

The Irishman said strengthening the squad will help him retain the Premier League title at the same time meet other powerhouses across Africa head on.

The former Uganda Cranes boss further said his target in the continental showpiece will be to win the opening game and then try to take up the championship from there with focus to make it to the group stages.

"But that's a tough journey we will have to go through," he warned.

Ahead of their return to CAF, the coach said they have acquired Acakoro women's football club to fulfill CAF's club licensing requirements.

The coach said he will rest his players for three to four weeks before they hit pre-season training.

"We have give the boys some rest days, but we are going to have a well thought plan for pre-season," he said.

Club sponsors SportPesa has pledged to give Gor full support in the CAF tournament.

"SportPesa is dedicated and committed to building Gor Mahia as a brand. Our goal is to ensure the players salaries are paid in time. We are also going to cater for everything in CAF, including the team's tickets," said Karauri who boosted K'Ogalo with Sh3.6 million on Wednesday for lifting the 20th league title last Sunday.

"We promise to stick together as a team, we pledge to take Kenyan football to where it was before."

Karauri said the promotion of community teams like Muranga Seal FC and Shabana FC to the Premier League will boost local football.

He reiterated that Kenyan football has potential which the government and private sector can capitalise on.

Gor Mahia captain Philemon Otieno thanked SportPesa for the financial support which he stated gave them a peace of mind which contributed to their success in the league.