Former Harambee Stars coach Francis Kimanzi has shed light on Benni McCarthy’s thoughts on the quality of the Kenyan national football team.
Newly appointed Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Director of Football, Francis Kimanzi, has provided insight into the thoughts of Harambee Stars’ head coach, Benni McCarthy, as the national team prepares for crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon.
Kimanzi, who previously served as Harambee Stars’ interim coach before McCarthy’s appointment, has played a key role in helping the South African tactician acclimate to his new role.
Speaking to TV 47, Kimanzi shared that McCarthy has been positively surprised by the quality of the players in camp.
Harambee Stars goalkeeper trainer Moeneeb Josephs has hit out at the South African giants for not showing respect and sportsmanship following their recent league loss.
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“I have been with coach Benni McCarthy during the Harambee Stars camp, helping him get to know the players, and he is very much impressed with how they have presented themselves,” Kimanzi stated.
“Surprisingly, he told me that the quality was not as he had expected or been told—it is even higher than he thought, which is a very big plus for us.”
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Kimanzi joined the national team camp at the Ulinzi Sports Complex following McCarthy’s provisional call-ups, which primarily included locally-based players.
While only five of these players made the final 23-man squad for the upcoming matches against Gambia on March 20 and Gabon on March 23, Kimanzi emphasized that the new head coach remains impressed with the local talent.
“And I say congratulations to the local coaches because this means they are doing a good job, as the majority of the provisional squad consisted of local players. McCarthy was impressed with their quality and attitude as the squad continues preparations,” Kimanzi added.
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The five locally-based players who earned spots in the final squad include goalkeeper Farouk Shikhalo, defenders Ronney Onyango and Manzur Okwaro, and forwards Ben Stanley Omondi and Mohammed Bajaber.
However, some notable locally-based players such as Gor Mahia’s Austine Odhiambo, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, and Alpha Onyango missed out on selection.
With the team now in Ivory Coast ahead of their anticipated clash against Gambia on Thursday, spirits remain high as they gear up for the crucial fixture.
Following the match, the Harambee Stars will return to Nairobi to host Gabon on Sunday in another key qualifier.
