Gambia’s coach Jonathan McKinstry, familiar with Kenyan football from past stints, is poised to lead his team against Kenya in a World Cup qualifier. This first-time meeting highlights differing coaching philosophies under McKinstry and Benni McCarthy and the evolution toward attacking football in both teams. McKinstry emphasizes player performance consistency and the importance of youth development as both squads prepare for an exciting and unpredictable match.
Jonathan McKinstry, coach of Gambia, has a significant background in Kenyan football, having led Gor Mahia to two league titles and a Super Cup during his tenure from July 2022 to June 2024. His coaching career also includes experiences with the national teams of Rwanda and Uganda, where he faced Kenya four times, resulting in draws in all matches. Since becoming Gambia’s coach in June 2024, McKinstry’s knowledge of Kenyan football remains an asset as the Gambia national team prepares to meet the Harambee Stars in a crucial World Cup qualifier match.
This encounter marks a historical moment, as it will be the first official match between Gambia and Kenya, making the West African nation the 55th team that Harambee Stars has faced in official contests. With McKinstry’s past coaching experience in Kenya, he anticipates a dynamic gameplay style under the leadership of Benni McCarthy, the new coach of Harambee Stars, suggesting a shift from Kenya’s traditionally defensive style.
McKinstry has observed an evolution in Kenya’s approach under McCarthy, who he believes will prioritize continuous attacking and pressing strategies. He drew parallels to his time with Gambia, where he promotes an aggressive style of play, contrasting the more conservative tactics employed by former Gambia coach, Tom Saintfeit. McKinstry’s faith in McCarthy’s capability to instill an attacking philosophy in a short period reflects his own coaching methodology.
Gambian sports journalist Amadou Tamba highlighted that McKinstry’s coaching philosophy marks a departure from Saintfeit’s results-driven approach, which often received criticism from fans despite achieving historic successes. With McKinstry in charge, many fans are expected to witness a more engaging style as he emphasizes player consistency in selections, contrasting with Saintfeit’s choice of out-of-form players.
Addressing his squad selection, McKinstry specified a focus on monitoring over 200 Gambian players excelling internationally and emphasized the need to align club performance with national team expectations. During a training session in Ivory Coast, he noted that the players exhibited enthusiasm since their last international break, creating a positive atmosphere as they prepared for the match against Kenya.
Gambia will host the match in Ivory Coast due to the absence of a CAF-approved stadium within its own borders—a situation Tamba finds unjustifiable given the country’s adequate infrastructure. Hosting matches in neutral venues has become the new normal for Gambia, as demonstrated by their ongoing agreement with Morocco to facilitate match hosting, but there is hope for future home games which could enhance team performance.
Following McKinstry’s appointment, Gambia showed signs of improvement, securing their largest win in 24 years with a 5-1 victory over Seychelles. Despite this achievement, they currently sit below Kenya in Group F of the World Cup qualifiers, showcasing the uphill battle they face against formidable opponents like Kenya and Ivory Coast. McKinstry expressed confidence in the team’s ability to acquire valuable points in the upcoming matches.
In contrast to McCarthy’s predominantly local-based selection, McKinstry’s team is comprised largely of international players, revealing a difference in the development of each country’s domestic leagues. This disparity underscores the challenges Gambia faces in bolstering its local league’s competitiveness.
Both coaches share a commitment to fostering young talent, as evidenced by McKinstry’s inclusion of skilled players like goalkeeper Musa Dibaga and captain Omar Colley, symbols of Gambia’s youth football success. The emphasis on youth reflects a broader strategy to create a sustainable future for Gambian football, with McKinstry actively engaging with local football across various levels.
As Gambia prepares for the match against Kenya, consideration has been given to the Muslim players fasting during Ramadan. McKinstry has adjusted training schedules to accommodate these players, utilizing his previous experiences working in Muslim-majority countries. He acknowledges that while he is well-acquainted with Kenyan football, the unpredictability of the match makes it an intriguing prospect.
Ultimately, this match serves not only as a competition but as a pivotal moment in McKinstry’s coaching journey and a test of his evolution since his tenure in Kenya. The upcoming contest promises to showcase strategic advancements and the responsiveness of both teams to their respective coaching philosophies, with the pitch set to reveal the outcomes of their preparatory efforts.
The upcoming match between Gambia and Kenya represents a significant event in McKinstry’s coaching career, offering a platform to showcase the evolution of both national teams under new leadership. With historical connections and contrasting philosophies, the encounter highlights a commitment to attacking football and youth development. As the teams prepare, fan expectations rise, and the match’s outcome may prove instrumental in shaping future trajectories for both nations in the World Cup qualifiers.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
