Gambia’s coach Johnathan McKinstry prepares for a landmark match against Kenya, where his extensive knowledge of Kenyan football and advocacy for attacking play will be key. The match also signifies the evolution of coaching styles in both teams, against a backdrop of past experiences and the current dynamics of international football.
Johnathan McKinstry, the coach of Gambia’s national football team, has deep knowledge of Kenyan football, having managed Gor Mahia and led the team to league titles and the Super Cup between July 2022 and June 2024. Since his appointment as Gambia’s coach in June 2024, McKinstry’s extensive experience also includes overseeing Rwanda and Uganda’s national teams, where he faced Kenya multiple times, all resulting in draws.
The upcoming match against Kenya marks a significant moment for both Gambia and McKinstry as it will be their first encounter on the pitch. Scheduled for 10 PM on Thursday at the Alassane Outtara Stadium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, this match will see Gambia as the 55th nation Kenya has played against in official competition. Despite their unfamiliarity, McKinstry considers recent developments, particularly Benni McCarthy’s coaching of Harambee Stars, will lead to a more dynamic Kenyan team than in the past.
In a recent interview, he noted, “If you had asked me six months ago, I would have said that Kenya would play defensively … However, with McCarthy in charge, I do not think that will be the case.” McKinstry advocates for attacking football, a stark change from Gambia’s previous defensive strategies under coach Tom Saintfeit. He recognizes McCarthy’s proven track record in attacking play, suggesting he will quickly implement his ideas with the national team.
Gambian sports journalist Amadou Tamba highlighted McKinstry’s shift towards an attacking style, contrasting it with Saintfeit’s results-driven approach that often left fans dissatisfied, despite success in AFCON tournaments. McKinstry’s strategy prioritizes player consistency and form, addressing previous fan concerns over team selections under Saintfeit, who often picked fringe players.
Regarding squad selection for upcoming World Cup qualifiers, McKinstry noted, “Gambia has over 200 players…I track their performances to identify who is playing well consistently.” This attention to form is part of his strategy to elevate Gambia’s competitive stance. During a press conference, he expressed optimism about the energetic mood within the team’s camp.
Gambia is currently facing challenges as they play home matches in neutral venues due to CAF regulations regarding their stadiums. Tamba argues that this is unfair given Gambia’s standards, and there is anticipation for hosting matches at home in the near future, which Tamba believes could significantly improve their performance.[Tamba’s quotes about this subject omitted for brevity].
As McKinstry prepares for the matches, he believes they have enough quality to grab six points from Kenya and Ivory Coast despite their recent struggles in qualifiers. After losing their initial matches, the team showed adaptability under his guidance with a significant victory in their last outing. However, they approach the coming challenges with caution and strategic intent.
Comparatively, the disparity between the domestic leagues of Gambia and Kenya stands out, underscoring the quality gap. Gambia’s players typically seek opportunities abroad, highlighting the need to strengthen their local football. Tamba appreciates McKinstry’s effort to scout local talent, thereby working towards enhancing the domestic league’s appeal.
The squad includes notable players like Musa Dibaga and Omar Colley, showcasing a blend of youth and experience. Dibaga represents a new wave of Gambian talent, while Colley is a veteran of the team. Their compositions resonate with both McKinstry’s future vision for the team and Gambia’s evolving football landscape.
With the team observing Ramadhan fast, McKinstry has adapted their training and diet schedules accordingly. This involves training at night post-iftar to accommodate the players’ conditions, leveraging his coaching experience in Muslim-majority countries.
As McKinstry anticipates the match against Kenya, he recognizes the unpredictable nature of football. He stated, “Knowing Kenyan players does not mean I know what their game plan is going to be,” emphasizing that despite his familiarity, surprises could arise during the game. The match serves not just as a competition but as a reflection of McKinstry’s growth as a coach, marking an emotional reunion with Kenyan football.
In summary, Gambia’s forthcoming match against Kenya is pivotal for coach Johnathan McKinstry, who merges past experiences with current strategies. His knowledge of Kenyan football, along with a shift towards an attacking style, aims to invigorate Gambia’s national team. This historic encounter holds significance beyond the scoreline, offering insights into the evolution of coaching and footballing philosophies within both nations.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
