Sierra Leone National Team

Review: Coach McKinstry's Successes & Challenges with the Leone Stars

Coach McKinstry, working with the Leone Stars. Pic © Darren McKinstry - more at www.johnnymckinstry.com/leonestars

Within just 16 months Coach McKinstry had led Sierra Leone to their highest ever FIFA World and African rankings (August 2014).

Coach McKinstry disappointed and frustrated at decision (17 September 2014).

Coach McKinstry has expressed his disappointment and frustration at the decision to replace him as Head Coach of the Sierra Leone 'Leone Stars' (17 September 2014).

Sierra Leone unfortunate in DR Congo (10 Sep 2014)

David Simbo powers a shot at the DR Congo keeper, 10 Sept 2014 (Pic: Darren McKinstry)]

The Leone Stars have ended a week of travel delays and interrupted preparations with a defeat to DR Congo. (10 Sep 2014)

Leone Stars arrive for DR Congo clash. (9 Sep 2014)

The Leone Stars have arrived in Lubumbashi and completed training ahead of their qualifier with DR Congo tomorrow (Wed 10 Sept 2014).

Leone Stars impress against Ivory Coast 'elephants' (6 Sep 2014)

The Leone Stars celebrate going 1-nil in the first half [Leone Stars v Ivory Coast, 6 September 2014 (Pic © Darren McKinstry / www.johnnymckinstry.com)]

The Leone Stars delivered an impressive performance against the 'elephants' of the Ivory Coast, despite very limited preparations due to the late confirmation of the game in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. (6 Sep 2014)

Leone Stars arrive in Ivory Coast ahead of Group D AFCON Clash (3 Sep 2014)

Leone Stars Training ahead of Ivory Coast away encounter (6 Sep 2014)

The Sierra Leone 'Leone Stars' have arrived in Abidjan, Ivory Coast ahead of their opening Group D qualification game this weekend (6 September 2014).

Sierra Leone reach new heights in FIFA World Rankings (14 Aug 2014)

Leone Stars - 50th in FIFA World Rankings (14 Aug 2014)

Sierra Leone have moved to 50th place in the FIFA World Rankings and 7th in Africa - their highest ever placing (14 Aug 2014).

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About Coach McKinstry

Coach McKinstry is a UEFA Pro Licensed Football Coach. As Head Coach of the Uganda National Team, the 'Uganda Cranes' (2019 - 2021) he delivered a WIN from 2 in every 3 games and went undefeated in over 8 in every 10 games played. This represented the highest 'win' and 'undefeated' rate achieved by a Uganda National Team Coach in over 15 years. In his first 3 months in charge, he had led Uganda to win CECAFA 2019; had put Uganda top of their AFCON qualification group; and secured 9 wins and 1 draw from his first 10 games. In winning CECAFA 2019, Uganda did so by winning all six of their matches, only the second time in Uganda's history that they had done so by winning every game they played in the tournament. In AFCON qualifiers, under his management Uganda were the only team of all 48 nations competing to have conceded zero goals from open play.

He was International Manager and Head Coach of the Rwanda National Football Team (2015-16). Within just 17 months he led Rwanda to a number of highs - including their first ever appearance in the knockout stages of a major international tournament (Quarter-finals of CHAN, Jan 2016) and finished runner-up in CECAFA (Dec 2105), being named 'Coach of the Tournament' for his efforts.

He was Head Coach of the Sierra Leone National Men's Football team (2013-14). Within just over a year, he had led Sierra Leone to their highest ever FIFA World and African rankings - 7th in Africa and 50th in the World (August 2014). He was Head Coach of Saif Sporting Club, Bangladesh Premier League (2018-19); and FK Kauno Zalgiris, Lithuanian A-Lyga (2017-18). He is a European (UEFA), American (NSCAA) and university qualified football coach.

Coach McKinstry is a member of 'Common Goal'. Together members seek to support high-impact organisations that harness the power of football to advance the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.