NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 10 – Gor Mahia head coach Jonathan McKinstry has spoken for the first time since Benson Omalla’s aborted move to the Algerian top flight with JS Saoura, putting question marks on the intended transfer.
Omalla was set to move to Algeria and all was set and done with a 20,000 USD (Sh3.2mn) set to be paid out to Gor on the protracted six-month loan deal, but all this fell off in the last minute, the two sides failing to beat the North African transfer deadline.
“He is obviously disappointed and as a club we are all disappointed for him. As a club, the numbers (money) were good and we were happy to let him go. Obviously the club asked me if we could cope without him and I said yes we could allow him to pursue the opportunity,” the tactician said, speaking to the club’s media.
He added; “There has been a lot said over the last few days, but for me, it wasn’t a straightforward move. If it was a straightforward transfer then it would have happened.”
“Some people on the other side of the deal wanted to get things rushed and we insisted we wouldn’t want to be rushed and we would make sure all paperwork was correct and but the time all that was corrected, it seemed too late, It is better to do things correctly than to do them fast.”
McKinstry has meanwhile revealed that he gave Omalla a few days off to clear his mind of the disappointment, and is confident he will be back to his razor sharp form as they play Ulinzi Stars on Saturday evening in Machakos.
“he has been back for the last two training sessions and he looks sharp and refocused. He is determined and wants to do well for the team, for his friends and the fans. I am no worried about him and I know his chance will come,” the tactician added.
K’Ogalo, who are top of the FKF Premier League standings with an eight-point gap will take on the soldiers in Machakos, looking to bounce back from last weekend’s 3-1 defeat at the hands of Police FC.
K’Ogalo saw their unbeaten run brought to a screeching halt, but McKinstry is optimistic his boys have put that defeat behind their backs and will be out to give a good account of themselves when they take on the military boys.
“That was my sixth defeat in the last 19-20 months I have been here. After any defeat there is always determination to put things right and improve. It helps reflect on how you have been doing. It has been a good week in training. We expect a tough game and our guys are looking good,” said the coach.
