Former Gor Mahia head coach Johnathan McKinstry has explained the difference between East African and West African footballers.

In terms of hunger to succeed, the two-time Premier League winner with K’Ogalo said the West Africans are hungrier compared to their counterparts in the East.

“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.

“They don’t want to when they’re 15 years old; they don’t want to play in the Ghanaian Premier League or the Sierra Leone Premier League or the Gambian Premier League. That’s not their ambition.

“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,” McKinstry told Tata Sports.

Financial ambition

In terms of financial ambition, the former Uganda Cranes head coach said the East Africans, especially players in the Kenyan league, are comfortable with what their clubs give them.

“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.

“And also, the money that clubs like Gor Mahia are paying, the likes of Bandari and 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,” he concluded.

The North Irish tactician was appointed Gambia’s head coach after he left the FKF PL giants. Gambia and Kenya recently met in a 2026 World Cup qualifier and drew 3-3 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.