The Gambia Football Association (GFA) has announced the appointment of Johnathan McKinstry as the new head coach of the Gambia national football team. McKinstry, a 38-year-old Northern Irishman, takes over from Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet on a two-year contract. One of McKinstry's primary objectives will be to lead the team to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

### Extensive African Coaching Experience

McKinstry brings a wealth of experience from his previous coaching roles across Africa. He was selected from a pool of 90 applicants, which was eventually narrowed down to three candidates. The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) expressed their enthusiasm for his appointment, highlighting his previous coaching stints with Sierra Leone, Uganda, and Rwanda. He most recently managed Gor Mahia FC in Kenya and is set to officially start his new role on June 1, 2024.

### Official Statement and Public Announcement

The Gambian National Sports Council, under the Ministry of Youth and Sports, released an official statement welcoming McKinstry. "The National Sports Council is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr. Johnathan McKinstry as the Senior National Football Team Coach," the statement read. The council emphasized the strategic importance of this appointment in boosting the national team's performance on the international stage.

### Previous Achievements and Future Goals

McKinstry's appointment marks his fourth tenure with an African national team. He first led Sierra Leone in 2013, followed by Rwanda from 2015 to 2016, and Uganda from 2019 to 2021. His tenure at Gor Mahia FC in Kenya from 2022 to 2024 also saw him garner significant success.

The previous coach, Tom Saintfiet, resigned in January after a successful five-and-a-half-year period, during which he guided the "Scorpions" to their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals in 2022. Saintfiet’s contract was originally set to run until 2026, but he chose to step down, paving the way for McKinstry's appointment.

### Looking Ahead

With McKinstry at the helm, the Gambia national team is looking forward to a new era of development and success. His extensive experience and proven track record in African football are expected to significantly enhance the team's prospects, particularly their aim to secure a place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Gambian football community and fans alike are optimistic about this new chapter, eager to see how McKinstry will leverage his expertise to elevate the Scorpions to new heights.