- The Gambia men’s national team head coach, Jonathan McKinstry, has applauded coach Benni McCarthy for transforming the Harambee Stars.
- McKinstry, a two-time back-to-back Kenyan Premier League champion with Gor Mahia, is currently in the country as The Gambia prepares to face Kenya on Friday, September 5.
- He also praised McCarthy for giving young local players the opportunity to shine, an approach he championed during his tenure at Gor Mahia.
Former Gor Mahia head coach and current Gambia national team manager Jonathan McKinstry has commended Benni McCarthy for revolutionizing the Harambee Stars since taking charge.
McKinstry, a two-time back-to-back Kenyan Premier League champion with Gor, is currently in the country as Gambia prepares to face Kenya on Friday, September 5, at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, in a 2026 World Cup Qualifier clash.
Jonathan McKinstry hails McCarthy’s impact on Harambee Stars
Speaking to the press during Gambia’s first training session at Kasarani Annex on Tuesday, September 2, the Northern Irish tactician highlighted the remarkable transformation the national team has undergone under McCarthy’s leadership.
He emphasized the squad’s renewed resilience and fighting spirit, while also lauding McCarthy for affording young local players the platform to shine- an approach McKinstry himself had advocated during his time at Gor Mahia.
Fighting spirit, to be precise,” McKinstry said.
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There are many things the new coach (Benni McCarthy) has changed. What I genuinely admire is how he’s embracing domestic talent.
I remember when I first came here, I mentioned that there is immense potential in the local league, and those players deserve their chance especially considering there aren’t many Kenyans playing abroad.”
The former Uganda national team boss also noted a significant shift between the Harambee Stars squad he once knew and the current generation, which he described as more determined and spirited.
“Personally, I’d rather select a home-based player showing form and hunger than someone competing in a fourth-tier European division. It’s slightly different with Gambia because most of our players compete in top leagues in their respective countries,” he explained.
“I believe the coach has given local players a real opportunity, and I can clearly see the spirit in the team. When we played Kenya and drew 3-3 in March, I saw a level of resilience that impressed me.
In previous years, the team might have surrendered after going 2-0 down, but this new generation rallied under the coach’s guidance and clawed their way back. That comeback frustrated us.”
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Jonathan McKinstry states there is no room for underestimating Kenya
McKinstry stressed that Gambia will need to exert maximum effort and avoid underestimating Kenya, despite his squad featuring several Europe-based players.
“If you look at the CHAN tournament, you will see this is not a side that gives up easily. You can’t judge a player by the club they represent whether it’s Kariobangi Sharks, Gor Mahia, or Bandari against someone in Serie A.
This Kenyan team refuses to surrender, and they fight until the final whistle. That’s something we must prepare for,” he reiterated.