Loading Now

Harambee Stars: Ex-Qatar and Egypt Coach Sounds Alarm for McCarthy on Kenya’s Tough Road Ahead


  • Benni McCarthy has been named the new head coach of Harambee Stars, succeeding Engin Firat who previously held the position.

  • Recently, the South African international revealed his initial roster and conducted his first practice session with the team.

  • McCarthy’s initial task as the leader of the Harambee Stars will be coaching them in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon on March.

Following the resignation of Engin Firat in 2024 due to a disagreement over payments with the Football Kenya Federation, Benni McCarthy assumed the role of head coach for Kenya.

The announcement of McCarthy’s appointment has reignited enthusiasm among Kenyan supporters, thanks to his noteworthy history as both an athlete and a mentor.

AA1B3zVj Harambee Stars: Ex-Qatar and Egypt Coach Sounds Alarm for McCarthy on Kenya’s Tough Road Ahead

One significant hurdle for McCarthy in his new position will be addressing the insufficient training facilities.

Roger De Sa, who previously coached the Egyptian national team, has advised McCarthy to temper his expectations concerning the condition of the training facilities provided for the Harambee Stars.

Roger De Sa’s caution to McCarthy

When voicing his backing of McCarthy’s new position, De Sa pointed out that the assignment in Kenya would entail difficulties like substandard playing surfaces.

De Sa highlighted that McCarthy shouldn’t anticipate receiving the same caliber of deliveries he was accustomed to at Manchester United, since the resources in Kenya might not measure up to those standards.

Gaining entry into the national setup is a huge milestone for Benni since national teams hold a special place,” De Sa commented. “I am extremely pleased for Benni and delighted to witness another South African seizing this chance.

“Thus, Benni should not anticipate training facilities akin to those of Manchester United or even Orlando Pirates,” stated De Sa. “He will undoubtedly encounter certain difficulties and must ready himself to handle these hurdles. It’s crucial for him to discover resolutions, adjust accordingly, and turn this scenario into an advantage,” according to the iDiski Times.

De Sa highlighted that McCarthy would encounter another obstacle due to the differences between managing a club and leading a national team.

He mentioned that members of the national team are spread out in different regions globally, and it’s crucial to keep track of their development regularly.

The other significant hurdle Benni will encounter is that leading a national team differs greatly from overseeing a club side,” De Sa stated. “Your players are spread across various countries, and you must monitor their development closely. It goes beyond merely assembling them for training sessions and matches.

Available training resources for McCarthy

Currently, Kenya’s principal sports facilities encompass Kasarani Stadium and Nyayo Stadium.

The two training venues are currently under renovation, which restricts both training sessions and match opportunities for the Harambee Stars, as they have heavily depended on these locations over time.

AA1B3jTk Harambee Stars: Ex-Qatar and Egypt Coach Sounds Alarm for McCarthy on Kenya’s Tough Road Ahead

McCarthy’s first assignment

The individual, who is 47 years old, will start his role as the head coach of the Stars team when they face Gambia in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match on March 20, 2025.

The following month, the South African national team player will lead Harambee Stars in their match against Gabon at Nyayo Stadium.

Mulama supports McCarthy to take over as Harambee Stars coach

Earlier,

Farovint.co.ke

emphasized Titus Mulama’s support for McCarthy, showcasing faith in his capability to excel as the leader of the Harambee Stars.

Mulama indicated that McCarthy’s selection was highly beneficial for the nation, emphasizing that athletes could connect with him because of his track record and achievements at elite levels.

Share this content:

Post Comment