Coach McKinstry and the Leone Stars are nearing completion of their pre-match training camp ahead of their AFCON qualifiers against Swaziland this weekend.

Coach McKinstry is looking forward to the home leg of the AFCON 2015 second round qualifier game this coming weekend against Swaziland.  The game will be played at the National Stadium in Freetown, Sierra Leone  (Saturday 31 May - 16:30 local, 17:30 BST, 16:30 GMT).

"We are very much looking forward to the game this weekend against Swaziland. We know after the first first leg exactly what we have to do having achieved a 1:1 result down in southern Africa."

Asked to reflect on the logistical problems which impacted on the first leg, Coach McKinstry said:

"Going to Swaziland we were only able to have one training session with the team the day before the game and so that was naturally very difficult to get the team mentally and physically prepared for the game... here in freetown we will have four good days of training with the players.  Time spent on the training field is very important to developing our overall philosopy, team ethic and playing style"

With regards to the key steps that would be put in place this week, he said "Training camp this week will again be focused on our style of play - playing an attractive, free flowing game of football - but most importantly getting that win come Saturday afternoon"

On specific preparations for the return Swaziland encounter Coach McKinstry noted:

"Before travelling to Swaziland two weeks ago, we knew bits and pieces about our opponents, as there wasn't a plethora of info available [to review] ... now having seen them first hand, and taken them on in Manzini we know a lot more about them.. and we believe we have more than enough quality to get the required result come saturday"

Coach McKinstry was bouyant about the Sierra Leone fans and what they could expect come saturday:

"Once again the Sierra Leone supporters will be coming out in their numbers.  Both they and the people listening in from abroad can expect another committed performance from the Leone Stars as we look to take another step towards Morocco 2015..."

On the prospects of the Leone Stars progressing futher in AFCON 2015 he was clear  -

"We have our eyes set on qualifying the Leone Stars for the Cup of Nations, for the first time in almost two decades, but first we have to make sure that we go past Swaziland in a professional and committed manner, and I'm certain we'll do that come Saturday..."

 

 

See the Video Interview:

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Preparation Highlights 

You can click any of the pictures below to see a full screen version of the picture.  You can then also choose to click the play arrow to watch a slide show of all images.

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Notes to Editors

1. The game is the second game (home leg) in the second round qualifier against Swaziland on 31 May 2014 as part of AFCON 2015.  The first game resulted in a 1:1 draw  
2. You can read more about the AFCON 2015 tournament and the Leone Stars fixtures.
3. Johnny McKinstry was appointed Head Coach of the Sierra Leone National Men's Football team on 11th April 2013.  You can read more about his time in charge of the Leone Stars
4. See www.johnnymckinstry.com for a range of information - biography, press releases and photographs for press use.
5. To arrange an email or telephone interview, please contact 

Download Pictures (for Media Use)

See www.johnnymckinstry.com/gallery