Sierra Leone National Team

Leone Stars prepare ahead of Equatorial Guinea World Cup qualifier (Sep 2013)

Details: Published: Monday, 02 September 2013 00:04

Alhassan 'Crespo' Kamara and team mates warm up in training [Training Camp, in advance of Equatorial Guinea, Sept 2013 (Pic: Darren McKinstry)]

Northern Irish Man, Johnny McKinstry, prepares to lead Sierra Leone National soccer team into their final world cup qualifier against Equatoral Guinea (7 September 2013)

Solomon Zombo Morris [Leone Stars Training Camp, in advance of Equatorial Guinea game, Sept 2013 (Pic: Darren McKinstry)] In May 2013 Sierra Leone appointed the then 27 year old Northern Irish man Johnny McKinstry as national soccer coach of the Leone Stars. This saturday (7 Sept) Coach McKinstry will lead the Leone Stars into their final world cup qualifier, against Equatorial Guinea.

Speaking ahead of the game Coach McKinstry said "We have prepared well. We have had a strong team dynamic in training and the team have been able to build on some of the new approaches introduced when I took over earlier this year"

Asked about the Equatorial Guinea game this Saturday Coach McKinstry stated

"It is good to have the squad back together in Freetown for our final qualification game. Obviously we are no longer in a position to qualify for the World Cup, but make no doubt about it, the supporters here in Freetown will expect a performance and a result at home this weekend."

"We are looking forward to the game, and to taking on Equatorial Guinea in front of a strong home crowd. Our theme this week with the squad, and moving forward is one of ‘winning is a habit’, and that is something that we are committed to starting to do this week. We are focused on finishing this qualifying series on a high, and look forward to a successful 2014."

As with his first two games in charge in June, he has continued to bring new talent into the squad - this time calling into the squad uncapped players Michael Lahoud (MLS - Philadelphia Union) and defender Hassan 'Milla' Sesay (MYPA, Finland). He has also recalled new faces from the summer games - including Sam Bangura, Abdulai Bell-Baggie (Tranmere) and George Davies (FC Johansen), John Trye (USA) and Solomon 'Zombo' Morris (France).

"It is vital that we continue to develop the talent available to the Sierra Leone national team. Central to my approach since taking over has been seeking to identify new talent that can reinforce the considerable qualities already in the national team.

This is a vital part of our long term preparations, including the 2014 qualifiers for the next African Cup of Nations" said Coach McKinstry.

Reflecting on qualification for the World cup and the upcoming African Cup of Nations, Coach McKinstry said "My contract was initially for these final three world cup qualification games but I have always taken a long term approach and this is reflected in seeking to bring in, test and develop new talent as well as seeking to develop a clear playing style for the team that will allow them to build and advance.

I hope that the Ministry of Sport, the SLFA and the fans will consider that I have shown, even in a few short months, the clear potential in the national team."

ENDS.

Preparation Highlights

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Notes to Editors

The game this weekend (7 September 2013) will be Sierra Leone's final World Cup 2013 Qualifier against Equatoral Guinea.
The game is the third in charge for Coach McKinstry who was appointed in April 2013.
See www.johnnymckinstry.com for a range of information - biography, press releases and photographs for press use
To arrange an email or telephone interview, please contact

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About Coach McKinstry

Coach McKinstry is a UEFA Pro Licensed Football Coach, with a number of successes across his 20+ year career to date. He is currently Head Coach of the Gambia National Team and Head Coach of Gor Mahia FC in Kenya (2022-24) where he won two Kenya Premier League titles (2023-24, 2022-23), and the 2023-24 Kenya Charity Shield, returning the club to the top of Kenyan football.

He was Head Coach of the Rwanda National Football Team (2015-16). Within 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.

Across 2013-14, he was Head Coach of the Sierra Leone National Men's Football team. 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 has also been Head Coach of Saif Sporting Club, Bangladesh Premier League (2018-19); and FK Kauno Zalgiris, Lithuanian A-Lyga (2017-18).

Coach McKinstry is a European (UEFA), American (NSCAA) and university qualified football coach and a member of Common Goal.