Source: Sky Sports Exclusive Interview
In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Northern Irish coach Johnathan McKinstry opened up about his journey from Belfast to Africa, where he is now striving to guide The Gambia to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Known for his remarkable rise in football, McKinstry became the youngest international manager at age 27 when he took charge of Sierra Leone. Now, at 39, he has taken on his fourth international role, leading the Gambian national team.
Reflecting on his path to becoming a coach, McKinstry shared how his aspirations were initially met with skepticism. “I was told that I should focus on becoming a PE teacher, but that is not what I wanted to be,” he recalled. Determined to follow his dream, he went abroad, ultimately building a career as an international coach, especially in African football.
With AFCON qualifiers nearing their climax, McKinstry is laser-focused on achieving the results needed for The Gambia to secure their spot in the tournament. The team faces a crucial match against Comoros in Morocco, followed by a decisive final qualifier against Tunisia. “That is the big one. We need to win,” he emphasized, highlighting the importance of these matches.
However, McKinstry expressed disappointment over the team’s inability to play at their home stadium in Banjul, as the pitch was deemed below standard by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). “It is just not the same playing in neutral venues,” he noted. “Having 20,000 people pushing you on is different.” For McKinstry, the energy of a home crowd is a powerful advantage, likening it to the passionate support seen at the Gallowgate End for Newcastle United.
McKinstry’s belief in The Gambia’s footballing talent was reinforced by a chance meeting with Michael O’Neill, Northern Ireland’s head coach, who echoed his sentiments on the potential within Gambian football. Now, McKinstry is committed to unlocking that potential, driving the team forward with the goal of reaching the prestigious AFCON stage.
Acknowledgment: This story is based on an exclusive interview by Adam Bate for Sky Sports.