The unveiling ceremony held at Paradise Suite Hotel, was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Sports Council, the Gambia Football Federation and a host of high profound dignitaries.
Lamin Jawara, chairman of the NSC in his welcome remarks described the event as a historic one.
Lamin Kaba Bajo, president of the Gambia Football Federation also described the day as a historic one for Football House in their quest to provide the best for the country.
According to him, McKinstry’s unveiling was the fourth coach since his administration took leadership of the GFF in 2014.
He thanked the government of The Gambia through the Ministry of Youth and Sports for their support as well as for creating the enabling environment.
Bakary Y. Badjie, minister of Youths and Sports, congratulated coach McKinstry on his appointment as the head coach of the Scorpions.
Muhmud Lamin Jawla, acting Executive Director for NSC, said the event marked a significant milestone in annals of football development in The Gambia.
He revealed that over 90 coaches from across Africa and Europe tendered their applications for the position, adding that applicants included Gambia’s home grown coach Abdou T. Boy Jammeh.
He said a technical committee was set up to handle the selection process, noting that the Ministry through the National Sports Council collaborated with the Gambia Football Federation’s Technical and Development Committee to shortlist and interview the five most qualified coaches out of the over 90 applicants.
He went on to say that Mr. McKinstry was the most rated applicant and therefore placed as first choice for the job and offered the position.
Johnathan McKinstry, a Northern Irish who holds a UEFA Pro License coach has a track record of conantly raising performance at elite level by developing teams, players and staff across Asia and Africa during his close to two decades career as a junior and senior football coach.
Johnathan McKinstry, head coach of the Gambia senior national team, said it’s a huge privilege for him to be given the chance to coach the senior national team of The Gambia.
He said having listened to all the people who spoke before him serves as a huge encouragement and motivation for him as a coach and as a person. He went on to say that what motivated him more was the collaborative nature of his appointment.
He added that “the only way we can succeed is through togetherness and unity.”
“Having seen how closely the government, National Sports Council and the Gambia Football Federation work for future success of the country gives me hope,” he stated.
