Gor Mahia’s McKinstry reveals his main concern ahead of Mashemeji Derby

Ahead of their Football Kenya Federation Premier League match against AFC Leopards, Gor Mahia head coach Johnathan McKinstry has warned against simple mistakes.

Although unbeaten this season, Gor Mahia have not won their previous two games, in which they drew 1-1 against Kakamega Homeboyz and KCB.

McKinstry's concern

McKinstry has called on his players, especially the defensive unit, to be as resolute as possible.

“That [defensive resoluteness] is something we are working on. We have spoken to the players about that, and we are working on that, but we need to get better.

“We need to cut out those simple mistakes. We did not really have those last season. We had 20 clean sheets last season. We have only kept one clean sheet this season," McKinstry said.

The former Uganda Cranes head coach particularly pointed out Geoffrey Ochieng for some mistakes made.

Ochieng has been one of the regular first-teamers but was prone to making mistakes, especially during their last match against KCB.

“Absolutely. We need to cut them out; that is very clear. You know it is frustrating and counts in essence because Geoffrey (Ochieng’) is a player who does not tend to do that kind of thing.

“It would be different if someone did it all the time. You know he is not meant to do it, and he knows. He does not need to be told you need to cut out those simple mistakes," the coach added.

Goal for KCB

He was unhappy with how they conceded a goal scored by Apollo Otieno. K'Ogalo had to dig deeper and got an equalizer late in the second half when Rogers Mugisha scored. 

“There are some teams in this league that want to try and win against K'Ogalo, and others that are really happy with a point.

"If you give them a goal like that, they are going to sit in, and it is going to be a really difficult afternoon," McKinstry concluded.

Gor Mahia will clash with AFC Leopards for the 94th edition of the Mashemeji Derby, Kenya's biggest club rivalry.