A look at Benni McCarthy’s preferred line-up at Cape Town City and Amazulu and how Harambee Stars could potentially line-up under the South African tactician.
The appointment of Benni McCarthy as Harambee Stars’ head coach marks the beginning of a new era for Kenyan football.
As the team prepares for its upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon, speculation is rife about how the South African tactician will set up his squad.
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With a rich coaching background, including successful stints at Cape Town City and AmaZulu, McCarthy’s tactical preferences provide insight into the potential structure of Harambee Stars under his guidance.
Newly appointed Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy took charge of his first training session ahead of crucial 2026 world cup qualifiers fixtures.
McCarthy has predominantly employed a 4-3-3 formation, a system that emphasizes defensive stability, midfield creativity, and attacking width.
At Cape Town City, where he won the MTN8 Cup, he favored an attacsetup with towering center-backs complemented by attacking fullbacks capable of stretching the pitch.
The midfield often consisted of a single pivot protecting the defense while two more advanced midfielders provided creativity and attacking support.
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Benni McCarthy names a 32-man Harambee Stars squad for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon, blending experience and youth.
In the final third, his wingers were direct, pacy, and tasked with feeding a physical striker who could dominate aerial duels.
Given the current Harambee Stars call-ups, this tactical approach seems well suited to the squad at McCarthy’s disposal.
In goal, McCarthy has a selection headache with Brian Opondo, Faruk Shikhalo, Ian Otieno, and Brian Bwire all vying for the number one spot.
Otieno, given his experience, could have the edge, though Shikhalo’s shot-stopping abilities make him a strong contender.
The defensive unit will likely be anchored by Joseph Okumu, whose experience in European football makes him a natural leader at the back.
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Tottenham coach Ange Postecoglou has been urged to make a ruthless decision on Harambee Stars prospect Djed Spence ahead of their Europa Legaue clash against AZ Alkmaar.
Alongside him, Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, and Brian Mandela provide depth and physical presence.
Daniel Anyembe and Eric Ouma are well-suited for the fullback roles, given their ability to transition between attack and defense seamlessly.
In midfield, McCarthy could opt for Richard Odada as the holding midfielder, given his ability to break up play and dictate tempo.
He could be supported by Austine Odhiambo and Timothy Ouma, both of whom possess the technical ability to drive forward and create chances.
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A year ago, Djed Spence was struggling for suitors after flopping on loan at Leeds United from Tottenham, but his remarkable rise is now creating a tug of war for his national team services by three nations.
The attack will undoubtedly be led by Michael Olunga, the undisputed star of the team. His ability to hold up play, win aerial duels, and finish clinically makes him the focal point of McCarthy’s system.
On the wings, Masud Juma and Jonah Ayunga could provide the necessary pace and width, mirroring McCarthy’s preference for direct wingers who can take on defenders and deliver crosses into the box.
John Avire and Ryan Ogam could also be included, especially if McCarthy opts for a 4-4-2 formation, which he occasionally used at AmaZulu.
In a 4-4-2 setup, McCarthy could pair Olunga with another striker, such as Avire, to form a more aggressive attacking duo.
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This shift would likely see one of the midfielders sacrificed for an additional forward, while the wide players, possibly Boniface Muchiri or James Kinyanjui, would be expected to track back and provide defensive cover.
With McCarthy’s experience and tactical acumen, Harambee Stars fans can expect a well-structured and disciplined team.
Whether he sticks to his preferred 4-3-3 or experiments with a 4-4-2, his emphasis on solid defending, quick transitions, and a dominant striker aligns well with the strengths of the current squad.
The upcoming matches against Gambia and Gabon will provide the first glimpse of McCarthy’s influence and vision for Kenyan football.
