•Ochola said they are determined to hire 'the best international coach'. He refuted claims they had contacted former AFC Leopards tactician Patrick Aussems.
•In a separate interview, McKinstry said he was proud of what he had achieved with the Kenyan giants during his fruitful three-year stint.
Image: Gor Mahia FC
Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia are looking for a new coach after parting ways with Irish tactician Johnathan McKinstry.
McKinstry, 39, announced his departure after guiding the club to a record 21st title over the weekend. His last assignment was a resounding 3-0 thrashing of Muhoroni Youth at St. Sebastian Park on Sunday.
Gor Secretary General Sam Ochola confirmed McKinistry's departure in a statement on Wednesday.
"Gor wishes to inform fans and the general public that the search for a competent coach and qualified (CAF-approved) coach for our team is underway following the departure of McKinstry," the statement read in part.
Ochola said they are determined to hire 'the best international coach'. He refuted claims they had contacted former AFC Leopards tactician Patrick Aussems.
"We want to clarify that at this time, the club has not been in contact with any coach for the vacant position. Additionally, the club will be looking to hire a coach who has previously not worked in Kenya and has credentials such as working in Kenya and has credentials such as coaching a top club in Africa to the level of Caf Champions League group stage and above, or a national team in the continent."
In a separate interview, McKinstry said he was proud of what he had achieved with the Kenyan giants during his fruitful three-year stint.
He took an interest in K'Ogalo while following the performance of Rwanda national team players during his tenure as head coach of the Wasps.
"For me, this is the job I wanted. K'Ogalo are a team I've been aware of since my time in Rwanda when we had Abouba Sibomana, Jack Tuyisenge and Meddi Kagera playing for the club," McKinstry stated.
"I remember coming to watch the Mashemeji derby here back in 2016 and to watch Sibomana and Tuyisenge. Frank Nuttal was the coach at the time.
"I came away from the game saying if there is an opportunity to coach this team in the future then I would like to do it. That green jersey was beckoning me. When an opportunity arose to join the club, McKinstry embarked on a thorough background check."
He was initially discouraged by friends who thought his credentials were too decorated for a side of K'Ogalo's calibre.
"Almost everybody said don't go. They said doing so would blot my CV because Gor Mahia had once finished eighth in the league and was no longer the dominant force," he added.
However, he gave the naysayers a deaf ear and went on to join the club on July 29, 2022. He heads straight to Gambia, where he has been appointed head coach of the national team.
The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) confirmed his appointment on Wednesday, describing him as the best candidate to succeed Tom Saintfiet who stepped down after a torrid run.
"The Gambia Football Federation wishes to congratulate and welcome our new gaffer McKinstry on his appointment as head coach of the Scorpions," the statement read in part.
Gambia are in Group 'F' of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers alongside Kenya, Burundi, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Seychelles and Burundi.