Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy sheds light on Joseph Okumu, Collins Shichenje absence for crunch World Cup qualifiers.
Newly-appointed Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has finally broken his silence on why dependandle center backs were dropped from the 2026 March World Cup qualifier squad.
The South African opted against including regulars Collins Shichenje, who turns up for FK Vojvodina and Joseph Okumu (Stade Reims) into the final 23-man travelling party despite the duo being named in the provisional squad.
The pair have formed the spine of Stars’ defense in the last few years and the decision took many by surprise considering their importance and telepathic understanding.
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Ahead of the crunch clash against the Gambia on Thursday at the Alassane Ouattara Ebimpé Olympic Stadium in Ivory Coast, McCarthy told Mozzart Sports: “My concern is not with the players not here.”
Former Harambee Stars coach Francis Kimanzi has shed light on Benni McCarthy’s thoughts on the quality of the Kenyan national football team.
“I want to focus on being positive with the players that are here, those that did turn up and are ready to fight for the country, and ready to fight for everything.”
Mcarthy said his decision to drop Okumu despite playing the entire 90 minutes for his club was as a result of misunderstanding between the player and club. “Umh.. I don’t know. There was just a misunderstanding with the manager and Stanley [Okumu] and the club, so he is not here.”
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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.
On Shichenje, the former Manchester United assistant coach under the reign of Ten Hag said: “Sichenje got injured while playing for his team on Sunday so they pulled him out. That’s the risk you take. You can fly the player here and assess him yourself, but I’m pretty sure the player wants to come and play for the national team so he won’t just let his club pull him out.”
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The Joe Kadenge stadium, formerly City stadium, which previously served as home ground for Gor Mahia is expected to be in usable condition following renovations.
Harambee Stars must beat Gambia to boost their chances of qualification, considering that Gabon will visit the Nyayo Stadium on Sunday. Out of four matches played so far, Kenya are currently sitting fourth in the six-team group with five points, five fewer than leaders Ivory Coast, who have garnered 10 points. Gabon are second with nine points while Burundi are third with seven points.
