Uganda Cranes head coach Johnathan Mckinstry marks one year at the helm - FUFA: Federation of Uganda Football Associations

Posted on September 30, 2020 - 8:31 am by FUFA

Today 30th September 2020, marks exactly one year since Johnathan Mckinstry took over as Uganda Cranes head coach from French man Sebastein Desabre.

Following a convincing 2019 TOTAL Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Egypt that saw the Uganda Cranes proudly bow out in the round of 16, Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) Executive Committee agreed to have a change in the technical department.

Fast forward, hundreds of coaches openly expressed interest in the job.

Johnathan McKinstry was warmly welcomed by FUFA CEO Edgar Watson at FUFA Headquarters in Mengo – Kampala.

L-R: Ronnie Kalema, Rogers Byamukama, Johnathan Mckinstry, Justus Mugisha and Edgar Watson during the official unveiling ceremony of the coach at FUFA House, Mengo – Kampala on 30th September 2019

Northern Irish born coach, a holder of UEFA Pro License Jonathan McKinstry beat a big field and stiff competition to earn the job after resigning from Bangaladesh club Saif FC.

L-R: FUFA CEO Edgar Watson, Johnathan McKinstry, Justus Mugisha and Ahmed Hussein during the maiden press conference at FUFA Headquarters in Mengo, Kampala

On Sunday, 13th October 2019, he officially began his tenure on a winning note defeating Ethiopia 0-1 at Bahir Dar Stadium – thanks to a goal by Emmanuel Arnold Okwi.

The victory away in Ethiopia set a firm foundation as he has won 9 of the 10 matches played thus far, drawing once with no game lost yet with the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup trophy in the pouch as well.

L-R FUFA Deputy CEO -Football – Decolas Kiiza, Johnathan McKinstry and FUFA Marketing Director, Esther Musoke during the launch of the Uganda Cranes AFCON 2021 campaign

Uganda Cranes players lift head coach Johnathan McKinstry after lifting the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup in 2019 at the Star Times Stadium, Lugogo in Kampala

Johnathan McKinstry during the official unveiling ceremony at FUFA House, Mengo

Out of the ten games, the Uganda Cranes have scored 20 goals with 8 coming in the first half while 12 have come in the second half.

Two goals have been conceded under his helm against Burundi and Djibouti both in the 2019 CECAFA tournament.

His biggest highlight so far at the helm is winning the 2019 CECAFA senior challenge cup were the Cranes beat Eritrea 3-0 thanks to Bright Anukani, Mustafa Kizza and Joel Madondo strikes.

L-R: Johnathan McKinstry, Abdallah Mubiru, Charles Livingstone Mbabazi, Fred Kajoba, Alexander McCarthy and Geofrey Massa

McKinstry works alongside a committed team of former Uganda Cranes internationals; Abdallah Mubiru (first assistant), Charles Livingstone Mbazazi (second assistant) and Fred Kajoba Kisitu (Goalkeeping coach) as well as Alexander McCarthy (Trainer) and Geofrey Massa (Team coordinator)

We are still in the early stages of our journey. But I believe that together; with unified Effort, effective Application & Discipline in our approach – we can scale the highest peaks.

Thank you to everyone who has played their part so far and for the continued support.

🇺🇬⚽ pic.twitter.com/LUYS9HD2L4
— Johnathan McKinstry (@johnnymckinstry) September 30, 2020

Uganda Cranes will be traveling to Dubai for a training camp (6th – 13th October 2020) as a precursor for the AFCON 2021 double header against South Sudan in November 2020.