MENGO – The Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) has on Monday, 30th September 2019, named Jonathan Mckinstry as the new Uganda Cranes head coach.
Mckinstry signed a three year deal with FUFA and replaces Sebastien Desabre who departed the role after Uganda was eliminated from the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
The 34-year-old North Irishman was unveiled to the media at FUFA House in Mengo.
“Allow me to inform you that the FUFA executive chose as the new Cranes coach on a three-year contract, starting October 1, 2019,” announced FUFA CEO Edgar Watson on Monday morning.
McKinstry will take over from Abdallah Mubiru who has been in charge of the Cranes on an interim basis.
Mubiru was put in charge in the wake of Desabre’s departure as the Federation looked for a permanent replacement.
It is understood the Irishman will also be in charge of the CHAN team that will take on Burundi in the second leg of the 2020 CHAN qualifiers in October.
Speaking after his appointment, McKinstry was quick to note that his target is to take Uganda to the world cup.
“I am honoured for the offer given to me by the FUFA; there is no doubt that Uganda is a good footballing nation, said McKinstry on Monday.
“We are all hungry for success but my aim is not taking you to the Africa Cup of Nations, am targeting the World Cup. I have a burning desire to coach at a World Cup and I feel that Uganda is a good opportunity for me.”
“I have signed a long term contract (3 years) and am ready to see it out. The World Cup is a difficult task, but if we work together, it will be achievable.
Who is Jonathan Mckinstry?
McKinstry is a Northern Irish UEFA Pro licensed football manager.
Previously McKinstry managed Bangladesh side Saif SC, Rwanda national team, Sierra Leone national team, and Kauno Zalgris in the A Lyga. Whilst in charge of Sierra Leone, McKinstry was the youngest international manager in the world at 27 years old.
However, his footballing career remains a mystery.