Gor Mahia tactician McKinstry predicts title league will be decided by final day fixtures

Gor Mahia coach Jonathan McKinstry believes the race for the FKF Premier League title will be decided during the final match of the season.

On Sunday, the title race took a different turn after Tusker suffered a 2-1 defeat against relegation-threatened Wazito FC at Muhoroni grounds while Gor Mahia managed a 2-0 victory against Ulinzi Stars at Nyayo Stadium.

The Brewers who were leading the 18-team table, returned home empty-handed after a double from Collins Neto, including the winner from a late penalty, handed Wazito the shock victory while Gor Mahia scored through Austin Odhiambo and John Macharia to gun down the army men and keep alive their hopes of clinching a record 20th league title.

The outcome of Sunday’s matches saw Gor Mahia move top of the log with 67 points, Tusker are second with 65 points while Nzoia Sugar, who defeated Nairobi City Stars 3-2 on Saturday are third with 63 points, with only two matches remaining to end the season.

Despite reclaiming the lead, McKinstry is not convinced the title is already won insisting it will go down to the wire.

“Only last weekend people were saying Tusker are running away with the league title after we dropped points and failed to win in three matches and today [Sunday] Tusker dropped points, we won our game, and the narrative has changed that we have now won the league,” said McKinstry.

“I don’t think any team has won the league yet, we have two matches remaining and they are very decisive and crucial for the team’s chasing for glory, I insist the race will definitely go down to the wire.”

McKinstry added: “It feels good to be at the top, especially with two matches to go but it will go down to the last two [matches] because that is what will decide the new champions, it is not over yet, we must stay cool and calm to see the season through.”

McKinstry further admitted he was impressed with how his team performed against the soldiers.

“What pleased me most is the beautiful football we displayed against Ulinzi [Stars],” he said adding: “My players gave everything to get this win, and I am impressed even those, who have not been playing regularly, like Patrick [Kaddu], did very well.”

Gor Mahia will face Kakamega Homeboyz in their next fixture at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday, and wind up their matches against Nairobi City Stars on June 17. Meanwhile, Tusker will return to Nairobi to host Posta Rangers at Kasarani Annex, then travel to face relegated Vihiga Bullets at Bukhungu Stadium.

For Nzoia, who are not giving up yet on the title chase, they will next face KCB at Sudi Stadium on Saturday before ending the season with a trip to confront Sofapaka at Narok Stadium on June 17.