How McKinstry's Gor Mahia exit reshaped Musa Masika's career

Mathare United forward Musa Masika has revealed that the departure of coach Jonathan McKinstry from Gor Mahia played a key role in his decision to leave the record Kenyan champions midway through the 2024/25 FKF Premier League season.

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Masika, who joined the 2008 league champions Mathare United during the mid-season transfer window of the recently concluded campaign, admitted that life at K'Ogalo took a drastic turn following McKinstry’s exit, citing limited playing time under the new technical bench as a major factor in his abrupt departure.

"I joined Gor Mahia because coach McKinstry wanted and believed in me,” Masika told LTN Sports. “When I was at KCB, I had the chance to join Gor but asked for one more season to prepare. Throughout that time, the coach followed up on my progress and eventually brought me in.”

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However, the post-McKinstry era under Brazilian Leonardo Neiva and Croatian Sinisa Mihic tutelage proved challenging for the former Wazito FC winger. With tactical preferences shifting, Masika found himself sidelined and often overlooked in favour of Austin Odhiambo, diminishing his role within the squad.

"When McKinstry left, everything changed. I struggled to get minutes on the pitch, and as every player knows, playing time is everything. That’s what pushed me to leave in search of more opportunities,” he added.

Masika’s switch to Mathare United proved transformative. Under the stewardship of coach John Kamau, the 24-year-old rediscovered his spark, delivering six vital goals in the second half of the season to help the Slum Boys steer clear of relegation and secure a top-eight finish, a dramatic turnaround for the Nairobi-based club.

"My football awakening happened at Mathare United,” Masika said. “I don’t regret the decision to move. I got the playing time I craved, and that revived my career. It was the turning point I needed.”

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Masika, the younger brother of Harambee Stars winger Ayub Timbe, also weighed in on his omission from the national team squad for the upcoming CHAN tournament.

While disappointed, he remains focused on the long-term goal, earning a place in Kenya’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

"It’s all about daily performance. I believe the call-up will come at the right time. I missed out on CHAN, but the new season is around the corner, and I’m eyeing AFCON with renewed determination,” he said.