Former Gor Mahia coach Johnathan McKinstry has unleashed a scathing criticism of local Kenyan players in regards to securing moves abroad compared to their West African counterparts.
Former Gor Mahia coach and current Gambia head coach, Johnathan McKinstry, isn’t one to mince words.
Having worked in both East and West Africa, the former FKF Premier League tactician has a unique perspective on why Kenyan footballers rarely make it to the big leagues abroad compared to their West African counterparts.
In McKinstry’s view, the issue isn’t just about talent, it’s about hunger.
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Speaking to Tata Sport, McKinstry painted a striking contrast between the two regions.
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“I think there’s also something about the sporting character, let’s say. When you come to East Africa in general, including Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda, the hunger isn’t the same. I’ve been in Sierra Leone, Ghana, and The Gambia, and in West Africa, young footballers simply must make it,” he noted.
Kenya have had major exports with the likes of Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga, former captain Victor Wanyama and his brother, now Football Kenya Federation Vice President, McDobald Mariga.
Compared to West Africa, however, the number of local players plying their trade in Europe’s top five leagues dwindles.
McKinstry, who led Gor Mahia to two league titles, emphasised that young players in countries like Ghana, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia do not aspire to remain in their domestic leagues but instead have a desperate need to play at a professional level abroad.
They are willing to endure hardships and accept lower-tier opportunities in European leagues as stepping stones to greater heights.
“They don’t want to when they’re 15 years old, they don’t want to play for in the Ghanaian Premier League or the Sierra Leone Premier League or the Gambian Premier League. That’s not their ambition,” said McKinstry.
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AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda has shared how the club managed to fill up Nyayo Stadium for the Mashemeji Derby that ended goalless against Gor Mahia.
“They need—it’s not want, they need to go and play at that professional level, and they’re willing to suffer that to go and play maybe in a third division Eastern European League, prove themselves and make the next step.”
In contrast, McKinstry noted that East African footballers, particularly in Kenya, often lack the same level of sacrifice and urgency. He attributed part of this difference to the relatively better financial security provided by local clubs.
“And finances don’t really come into it early on. Yes. They want to be able to earn some money to eat and to live, but they’re willing to take a very small package so that they get into a professional environment where it gives them a better springboard. I think in Kenya, and I think in East Africa, a lot of young players want to go to a top level, but I don’t think they’re necessarily willing to sacrifice what needs to be sacrificed for it.,” he noted
“And also, the money that clubs like Gor Mahia are paying, the likes of Bandari, Police are paying, is decent money. And so then it’s okay, players sort of say, well, I’ll take that three or four-year contract, and I’ll stay here for my entire career.”
While McKinstry noted that this is often beneficial for the local leagues, it might hinder the unearthing of marquee talents that can propel the country to greater achievements.
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“And yes, that’s gonna improve the levels of the league, but it’s maybe not going to find that one or two rough diamonds and take them. That’s not saying they don’t exist, there are some young Kenyans who have that mindset, but for a country of the population size, I don’t think there’s as many.”
McKinstry coached a Gambia side that drew 3-3 to Kenya’s Harambee Stars during the March International Break.
As Kenya looks to make strides in international football, McKinstry’s words serve as a wake-up call for the young locally-based players.
