Sierra Leone National Team

Head Coach Johnny McKinstry speaks with the Team [Leone Stars Training Camp in advance of Tunisia Game, June 2013 (Pic: Darren McKinstry)]

Coach McKinstry and the Leone Stars have begun a one week training camp to prepare for their World Cup qualifier this weekend (8 June 2013) against Tunisia.

 

Leone Stars Head Coach Johnny McKinstry [Leone Stars Training Camp in advance of Tunisia Game, June 2013 (Pic: Darren McKinstry)]The game is the first in charge for Coach McKinstry who was appointed in April 2013. He has named a 24-man squad, which includes some new faces alongside established regulars.

Coach McKinsty commented "My staff and I are looking forward to the game this coming saturday after what has been a good week on the training ground with the players.  Naturally there has been a bit of ‘getting to know you’ for the staff, as well as the players, but I am pleased at how things have gone.  The team have had a very positive work ethic and are training well.  Team discipline and morale is good...."

 

"Over the last number of days we have been working on a number of things in training with the players - some of it new, and they have taken to our approach very well, and I think that will stand us in good stead come Saturday."  

 

George 'kweku' Davis [Leone Stars Training Camp in advance of Tunisia Game, June 2013 (Pic: Darren McKinstry)]"We have also added a few new faces to the group, many of whom I know will give the supporters something extra to get excited about come kick off this weekend.  Make no doubt about it, this is a big game for both ourselves and Tunisia and I am looking forward to seeing the fans out in support.  We will be going all out for the 3 points, and I am certain that come full-time that the supporters will have seen a performance befitting Sierra Leone."

 

 

 

 

Preparation Highlights

{sfx url='https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/115790122525148409891/albums/6001151691343922545'}

 

Notes to Editors

  1. The game is a World Cup 2013 Qualifier against Tunisia on 8 June 2013
  2. The game is the first in charge for Coach McKinstry who was appointed 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 

Download Pictures (for Media Use)

Any of the pictures on this website can be downloaded from our photos / videos page.

  • Pictures are free for use in web/print news or social media if unaltered and accompanied by a prominent photo credit e.g. (photo: Darren McKinstry / www.johnnymckinstry.com).
  • Pictures should not be used in other promotional material or for reward unless written permission has been obtained. 
  • Higher resolution photos are also available if required.
  • Please contact  with any enquiries or requests.

Media / Enquiries

Contact  with requests.  

Photo Gallery / Download 

See www.johnnymckinstry.com/gallery for a selection of images.

(Photography by: www.xtratimesports.net)

More News

Visit www.johnnymckinstry.com, or follow on social media:

Twitter: @johnnymckinstry

Instagram: @coachmckinstry

LinkedIn: uk.linkedin.com/in/johnnymckinstry

Facebook: www.facebook.com/coachmckinstry 

Read More

You can read more about Coach McKinstry's:

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

  • 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.

    Read More
    fifa.com
  • McKinstry led the team to their highest ever placing in the FIFA world rankings. They broke into the top 50, ahead of his native Northern Ireland.

    Read More
    Damien Edgar Backpage Football
  • Johnny McKinstry is one of the most intelligent, level-headed and knowledgeable managers in the game today. Few can match his achievements by the age of 30, and fewer still the success he has enjoyed in the game.

    Read More
    These Football Times
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5