Gor Mahia midfielder John Macharia has candidly shared his experiences and frustrations during his limited appearances under former head coach Johnathan McKinstry. The 25-year-old midfielder, who has had two separate stints in Georgia, revealed the challenges he faced, including an ankle injury and perplexing decisions regarding his matchday inclusion.
Limited Game Time and Injuries
Despite being a talented player known for his versatility, Macharia found himself on the fringes of the Gor Mahia squad last season. He primarily plays in the number 10 position but faced stiff competition from Austin Odhiambo, who was one of Gor Mahia’s standout performers. Additionally, Macharia could be deployed on the flanks, where players like Shariff Musa, Patrick Sibomana, and Bryson Wangai were preferred.
Reflecting on his struggles, Macharia said, “At some point, I wasn’t feeling well on my ankle, and by the time I got back to the field, getting back my rhythm was not that easy.”
Tensions with McKinstry
Macharia hinted at a strained relationship with McKinstry, who has since left Gor Mahia to coach the Gambian national team. The midfielder expressed confusion and frustration over the lack of communication from the coach regarding his exclusion from matchday squads.
“From my point of view, with all due respect, I could have been having issues with the coach which I don’t know because he did not say anything about it,” Macharia stated in an interview with Turf Talk.
Support from Teammates
Macharia’s exclusion from the squad often puzzled his teammates, who believed he deserved a spot in the starting lineup. “You train well and give your best every day, always giving 100%, but then the day before the match you are not in the squad without any explanation. This is something that disturbs us as players because even some of my teammates are telling you ‘you should have been starting.’ It’s frustrating but I try to take it positively,” he added.
Future Prospects
With Macharia’s contract set to expire in a few weeks, there is uncertainty about his future at Gor Mahia. However, the arrival of new head coach Leonardo Neiva might offer a fresh start. Macharia has been linked with a move away from the club, but it remains to be seen if Neiva will provide him with a lifeline.
Macharia was notably absent from the squad that traveled to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, for the CECAFA Kagame Cup, further fueling speculation about his future with the club.
Conclusion
John Macharia’s revelations highlight the challenges faced by players who find themselves out of favor with coaching staff. His experience underscores the importance of clear communication between coaches and players to ensure a harmonious and effective team environment. As Gor Mahia moves forward under Leonardo Neiva, it will be interesting to see whether Macharia can regain his place and showcase his talents on the field.
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