As the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) approaches its midseason, reigning champions Gor Mahia have set their sights on loftier goals beyond just retaining their league title. In a recent interview, head coach Johnathan McKinstry detailed the other key targets that are driving his side’s motivation and ambition this season.

Surpassing Last Season’s Achievements Gor Mahia’s coach made it clear that his team is not content with simply winning the league title again. McKinstry emphasized the desire to exceed their performance from the previous season, both in terms of points tally and defensive records. The coach stated that the team wants to do better than last season, accumulating more points and clean sheets. This drive to continuously improve their standards is a testament to Gor Mahia’s winning mentality and the high expectations the team has set for itself. The coach wants his players to push the boundaries of their own achievements, rather than simply matching them.

Becoming the Statistical Leaders Alongside their aim to accumulate more points than the previous season, Gor Mahia are also targeting dominance in various statistical categories in the league. The team currently shares the top spot for the most goals scored, and they boast the best defensive record. McKinstry explained that the team wants to ensure they are number one in all statistical categories, as winning the league but performing worse than the previous season would not sit well with them. This holistic approach to improvement, encompassing both offensive and defensive aspects, underscores Gor Mahia’s ambition to be the benchmark for excellence in the league.

Dominating the ‘Mashemeji’ Derby In addition to their league-wide targets, Gor Mahia have placed particular emphasis on their performances in the highly anticipated ‘Mashemeji’ derby against arch-rivals AFC Leopards. McKinstry has stressed the importance of this fixture in the team’s quest for the league title, as the ‘Mashemeji’ derby is a crucial barometer of their title-winning credentials. The coach believes that when the stakes are high, Gor Mahia’s players rise to the occasion and deliver the necessary results.

Securing Continental Competition Qualification Gor Mahia’s ambitions extend beyond the domestic league, as the team also sets its sights on securing a spot in the prestigious CAF Champions League for the upcoming season. Despite a setback in being left out of the 2023-2024 Africa Champions League draw, McKinstry and his players remain determined to regain their place in Africa’s premier club competition. The coach’s confidence in his team’s ability to perform at the highest level is evident, and he believes that Gor Mahia can soon reach the finals of either the CAF Champions League or the CAF Confederation Cup.

Fostering a Winning Mentality Underpinning Gor Mahia’s ambitious targets is the team’s unwavering winning mentality. McKinstry has emphasized the character and resilience of his players, who consistently rise to the occasion in big matches. This mentality has been a crucial factor in Gor Mahia’s continued dominance in the league, as the team consistently delivers strong performances against their top-eight rivals. The coach’s confidence in his players is not limited to the starting lineup, as he has highlighted the depth and quality of the entire squad.

Bolstering the Squad with Targeted Signings To further strengthen their chances of achieving their lofty goals, Gor Mahia have been active in the transfer market, making several key signings during the recent window. These additions are expected to provide additional depth, quality, and versatility to the team, as they aim to navigate the challenges of the league and continental competitions. McKinstry hinted at the possibility of one or two more signings during the upcoming mid-season transfer window, further indicating Gor Mahia’s commitment to strengthening their squad and providing the necessary resources to achieve their ambitious targets.

External Support and Motivation Gor Mahia’s quest for success has also been bolstered by the support and contributions of various external stakeholders, including prominent public figures and government officials. Most notably, the Information, Communication and Digital Communication Cabinet Secretary, Eliud Owalo, has emerged as a significant supporter of the club, providing financial support and promising to make the Eliud Owalo Super Cup bigger and more inclusive of grassroots teams. The cabinet secretary’s involvement and backing serve as a testament to the significance of Gor Mahia within the Kenyan football landscape.

Conclusion Gor Mahia’s targets for the current season extend far beyond just retaining their league title. Under the guidance of coach Johnathan McKinstry, the team has set its sights on surpassing their previous achievements, dominating the statistical categories in the league, and securing a place in the prestigious CAF Champions League. The team’s unwavering winning mentality, bolstered by strategic squad reinforcements and the support of influential stakeholders, positions Gor Mahia as a formidable force in Kenyan football. As the season progresses, the world will be watching to see if the reigning champions can translate their ambitious plans into tangible success on the pitch, cementing their status as the country’s pre-eminent football club.