McKinstry reveals what Ugandan striker Kaddu has that Omala lacks

FKFPL McKinstry reveals what Ugandan striker Kaddu has that Omala lacks

Mark Kinyanjui 10:30 - 06.06.2023

Kaddu started ahead of Omala who was not fully fit, and although he did not score a goal, directly contributed to both goals by John Macharia and Austin Odhiambo with his excellent hold up and link up play.

Gor Mahia head coach Johnathan McKinstry has revealed what Uganda striker Patrick Kaddu possesses that Benson Omala lacks after he played a key part in helping Gor Mahia return to the top of the FKF Premier League table following their 2-0 win over Ulinzi Stars in a league match played at the Kasarani Stadium on Sunday.

Kaddu started ahead of Omala who was not fully fit, and although he did not score a goal, directly contributed to both goals by John Macharia and Austin Odhiambo with his excellent hold up and link up play.

“Patrick is a top class striker, “ he said, “ You do not play in the leagues he has played in and taken part in tournaments like the AFCON for so long without being top class,” he added.

“He is a very different striker to Benson which is why we brought him in. They are not the same and are very different and that is why we believe that they can play together. We did not want to disrupt the team way too much.

“Changing from a 4-3-3 to a 4-4-2 or 3-5-2 is a big tactical switch which takes time and we did not want to disrupt the team too much, not just for them but for the midfield as well. Patrick brings the guys into the game.

“Against Ulinzi, he brought a lot of guys into the game. John Macharia benefitted and Austin Odhiambo as well who was superb as well.”

Benson Omala has been in stellar form in front of goal this season. After 32 games of the season, he has found the back of the net on 25 occasions, remaining one short of breaking the long standing record set by Maurice Aloo in 1976.

The striker however, prefers running in behind and playing on the shoulder of the last defender, and is instinctive in nature.

Patrick Kaddu can hold the ball up and link the play by playing with his back to goal. He is also adept at getting on the end of crosses as a classic target man.

McKinstry is known to set his sides up to pass and move, and such a set up requires a centre forwards who links the glue to the attacking areas, and for the first time in a while, The side executed this type of football which McKinstry described as “beautiful”.

“There were some things about both halves that made me feel almost emotional as a coach because there was some real beauty about our play. We know that the players that come into the team who do not play every week are maturing and developing and we are supporting them on that.

“It is tough to play for Gor and want to develop because of the pressure but there were parts of that game that were beautiful which I do not think have been witnessed in Kenya this year and the supporters absolutely loved.”