The Federation of Uganda Football Association has on Monday morning unveiled Jonathan ‘Johnny’ McKinstry as the new Uganda Cranes head coach.
FUFA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Edgar Watson revealed that the contract duration for McKinstry is three years effective 1st October 2019.
The Northern Ireland tactician said that “Africa has become home to me. I was inspired to return to Africa and drive the team to achieve success”
“There are so many young players coming through the team and being given an opportunity to the CHAN team. They need positive influence but performance will be the major bench mark,” he said adding that “We need to improve players and the team. Look outside of Africa. We need to go to the World Cup as well. We are hungry for success”
McKinstry takes over from Abdallah Mubiru who has been the interim boss.
McKinstry, 34, comes in with vast knowledge of African football having handled Sierra Leone at 27 years and Rwanda before stints with Kauno Zalgris and Saif FC.
Observers reveal he has somewhat similar coaching traits and enthusiasm with former Cranes coach Milutin Micho Sredojevic who is now in Egypt with Zamalek.
He reportedly shoved off tight competition from Hugo Broos (former Cameroon coach) and Belgian Luk Eyamel. It was reported no Ugandan coach applied for the top job but the tension will rise on who of Moses Basena, Matia Lule and Mubiru will work with the Irish coach.
Cranes will take on Burkina Faso in November as they kick off their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
