Johnathan McKinstry

Biography

Johnathan McKinstry is a highly accomplished UEFA Pro Licensed football manager with over two decades of experience across multiple continents, including Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America.

Born on July 16, 1985, in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, he has demonstrated a consistent ability to elevate teams to new heights through strategic leadership and a deep understanding of the game.
McKinstry’s managerial career is distinguished by his tenure with several national teams.

He began as the head coach of Sierra Leone in 2013, where he guided the team to their highest-ever FIFA World Ranking of 50th.

Subsequently, he led Rwanda to the finals of the 2015 CECAFA Cup and the quarter-finals of the 2016 African Nations Championship.

His success continued with the Uganda national team, achieving a 67% win rate and securing the 2019 CECAFA Challenge Cup title.

In May 2024, McKinstry was appointed head coach of The Gambia national team, tasked with the integration of new young talent into the national team whilst evolving the teams playing style from the existing defensive orientated approach, to a high tempo attacking focus.

In club football, McKinstry managed FK Kauno Žalgiris in Lithuania and Saif SC in Bangladesh, where he set new club records for points,
wins, and goals scored in a season.

Most recently, he led Gor Mahia FC in Kenya to consecutive Premier League titles in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons, as well as the 2023-24 FKF Charity Shield.

Beyond his managerial roles, McKinstry is committed to football development and philanthropy. He has been involved with elite youth
development programs at Newcastle United, New York Red Bulls, the Right to Dream Academy, and the Craig Bellamy Foundation. Additionally, he is a member of Common Goal, pledging a portion of his salary to support football charities worldwide.

McKinstry’s career reflects a dedication to excellence and a proven track record of success in diverse footballing environments.