Gor Mahia's McKinstry optimistic ahead of Murang’a Seal clash

Gor Mahia head coach Johnathan McKinstry believes that the nature in which the team won the Mashemeji Derby has, and will shape their weekend performance against Murang’a Seal at St. Sebastian Park.

K’Ogalo, who have enjoyed a week off without action, held off arch-rivals AFC Leopards in their last game, despite playing over an hour with 10 men on the field.

Gritty Gor edge out Ingwe in dramatic Mashemeji Derby

The victory, which extended Gor Mahia’s lead on top of the table to nine points, has as per McKinstry, livened up the build-up to Saturday afternoon’s “interesting” fixture.

“The training has been brilliant as you can imagine,” the Irishman said in an interview with the club on Thursday. “There is a nice spirit and lightness at the club of course coming from our last win in the Mashemeji Derby.

“The confidence and happiness I believe comes not only from the win but also how we played despite going down to 10 men. The team continued to play football, pushed, and looked likelier to win.”

The extra confidence seen over the week withstanding, should count more over the weekend.

“The mental challenge I am giving the players at the moment is how to carry forward the 10 days of training to a 90-minute performance,” McKinstry said. “Our objective has always been on how to go on with our business, and that’s what we intend to do in the remaining seven matches.”

Asked about facing Seal, he said: “It will be an interesting match with a team that has little to play for since they are sort of mid-table; neither in the race for the championship or in danger of relegation.

“And so when they come against us they will want to prove a point because I believe there are some players there who are playing for contracts and fighting to get into the coaches plan. We therefore believe it will be tough, and my hope is that weather-permitting, we will have a good turnout from our fans.”

The game kicks off at 1500 EAT.