Newly unveiled Uganda Cranes Head Coach Jonathan McKynstry will not stick at a particular philosophy or style of play in his execution of duties. The Irish man was unveiled to the media on Monday morning at the FUFA House, Mengo on a three year deal effective October 1.
Acting FUFA President Justus Mugisha unveiled the coach in company of FUFA CEO Edgar Watson and members of the FUFA Executive committee before the teenage coach was taken to meet the National Council of Sports (NCS) General Secretary Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel.
McKinstry replaces Sebastien Desabdre who joined Egypt Premier league side Pyramids FC after leading Uganda to the Afcon finals knockout stage for the first time since 1986.
“You need to first understand the players you have before choosing a particular style of play, formation or philosophy. I want to see fans entertained but sometimes it is about winning. FUFA has a target which we must achieve together. This one of the desired jobs internationally. FUFA’s desire to play at the world cup corresponds with my lifetime wish to coach at the biggest global football tournament and I think we can achieve it together,” noted McKinstry.
The 34-year old revealed that he was tasked to improve the team; not only in one aspect of wining, but developing a group of players that can improve overtime. “Despite the young age, my skills and personality inspire me to deliver. I did not look at money much, but the opportunity to serve with a federation that has remarkable desires and plans. I am honored to be here, but also more excited about the weeks and months ahead,” he added.
McKinstry was previously in charge of Saif FC coach in Bangladesh –a top tier side he joined last year from Luthuania’s FK Kauno Zalgris.
The Uefa Pro certified coach previously managed Sierra Leon national team at 24 years old (2013-14) before moving to Rwanda Amavubi stars which he guided to the quarter finals of the CHAN 2016 finals.
According to Watson, 137 applications were received for the job and a panel of experts put in place seconded finalists’ names to the FUFA Executive committee from which McKinstry was chosen on September 27.
The panel of experts included; Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel for government, Edgar Watson, Mwebe Ali (FUFA Football development officer), Livingstone Kyambadde (Uganda coaches association president) and Kalusha Bwalya as an international expert.
“We looked out for a coach who can fill our vision of becoming the best football nation in Africa on and off the pitch, fit in Uganda players’ style, aware of Uganda’s culture and must be a resident in the country,” noted Watson.
The new coach will work with the interim coaches as his assistants because they have (CHAN qualifiers) they have been handling. Eventually, the he will decide on who his assistant will be. Abdullah Mubiru, Livingstone Mbabazi and Sadiq Wasa who have been the interim head, assistant and goal keeper coach will thus be the assistants.
McKinstry, whose salary and bonuses were not revealed, will have his first task against Burundi in the return leg of the CHAN 2020 qualifiers in Kampala mid this month.
