Sierra Leone National Team

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Head Coach Johnny McKinstry and George 'Kweku' Davis [Leone Stars Training Camp, Cape Verde, June 2013 (Pic: Darren McKinstry)]

Coach McKinstry and the Leone Stars have arrived in Cape Verde ahead of their World Cup qualifier this weekend.

Solomon 'Zombo' Morris (Goalkeeper) [Leone Stars Training Camp, Cape Verde, June 2013 (Pic: Darren McKinstry)]Coach McKinstry commented "Despite the disappointment of Tunisia's last minute equaliser, the players are in upbeat mood ahead of our game in Praia against Cape Verde."

"However, we know that we face a difficult challenge - our opponents are awaiting CAF’s decision regarding their appeal over 3 points, and if that goes in their favour then they will be in a strong position in the group - as such they will be throwing everything at us come game time."  

The game is only the second in charge for Coach McKinstry, having met the squad just over a week ago

 
"In terms of overall preparation for the game, we have continued to work on some of the new ideas we have been presenting to the players, and the more time we spend on the training pitch together, the better their understanding of our approach.  It is always difficult in international football, due to the short time we have together to implement the change that is required at times, but we can see the players buy-in to our approach, and we are pleased with the progress being made."

Sam Bangura [Leone Stars Training Camp, Cape Verde, June 2013 (Pic: Darren McKinstry)]

Asked about the short recovery time following the Tunisia game, Coach McKinstry said: 

"We go into the game without a few key players in Tetteh Bangura and Kei Kamara who picked up injuries against Tunisia, as well as Sherif Suma who is suspended.  It is always difficult when you lose players of this calibre, but their absence provides opportunity for other members of the squad to claim the shirt, and I am confident they will be up to the task."

Coach Mckinstry has also taken the opportunity to further enhance the squad by calling up goalkeepers John Trye (USA) and Solomon 'Zombo' Morris (France)

 

 

Preparation Highlights

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Notes to Editors

  1. The preparation is in advance of World Cup 2013 Qualifier against Cape Verde on 15 June 2013
  2. The game is the second in charge for Coach McKinstry who was appointed to the post in April 2013.
  3. See www.johnnymckinstry.com for a range of information - biography, press releases and photographs for press use.
  4. 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.

As Head Coach of the Uganda National Team, (2019 - 2021) he led Uganda to win CECAFA 2019 and delivered a win from 2 in every 3 games, going undefeated in 8 in evey 10 games.  This represented the highest 'win' and 'undefeated' rate achieved by a Uganda National Team Coach in over 15 years.

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.

Quotes: What the media say

  • Under his management, the team played attractive football, scored goals and racked up some important results.

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    Eoin O'Callaghan the42.ie
  • McKinstry made an impressive start, losing just one of his first six matches and leading Sierra Leone into the top 50 of Fifa's world rankings, above Northern Ireland, the Republic, Cameroon and Senegal.

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    Ben Smith BBC Sport
  • Leone Stars shine with purpose... what is even more remarkable is what the young Northern Irishman has done ... the Leone Stars are ranked 50th in the world and seventh in Africa – higher than they have ever been.

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    fifa.com
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