Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy may have taken charge of just two games but there have been signs to suggest Kenya is under the right man.
South African legend Benni McCarthy has been in charge of Harambee Stars for just two games but there are signs that the team is finally in a safe pair of hands.
McCarthy was unveiled as Kenya national team coach on March 3 to much fanfare and the excitement has been translated onto the pitch where his team has shown a lot of positive things in just two matches.
McCarthy inherited a team that was built to defend first and try and nick a goal on the counterattack but he appears determined to move away from that style, given what has been witnessed against The Gambia and Gabon.
While he is yet to win, fighting back to draw 3-3 with The Gambia, before a 2-1 home defeat to Gabon, there are reasons Kenyans should be excited about Benni McCarthy’s team.
Harambee Stars had a much-improved performance in their 2-1 loss to Gabon at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday and here is how the players performed.
Harambee Stars: 3 reasons Kenyans should be excited by Benni McCarty’s team
Emergence of new talent
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Mohammed Bajaber shares light moment with Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy during a training session. @FKF media
Benni McCarthy’s first game exposed the problems of the past and the solutions of the future as the experienced players he deployed struggled before a host of debutants rescued a point in the second half.
Mohammed Bajaber has become an instant hit, thanks to his wonder goal against The Gambia as well as his bravery on the ball, while William Lenkupae was also impressive in both games.
Those two made their debuts on Thursday while 18-year-old defender Manzur Okwaro got his first taste on Sunday. On the bench, there was also Ben Stanley Omondi, another youngster who will get his chance soon.
These four plus many others who did not make the final squad gives Kenya and McCarthy reasons for optimism as he can build a team around them as he slowly phases off the old guard.
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Forward thinking approach
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Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has brought in a forward-thinking approach. Photo/FKF Media
Benni McCarthy promised an attacking brand of football when he was unveiled and lived up to that from his first game.
South Africa’s all-time top scorer instructed his players to play on the front foot and even though it exposed them at the back, it was a joy to watch from a team that had been accustomed to putting nine men behind the ball.
Against Gabon, Kenya’s build-up was impressive as they played through the lines and also attacked from wide areas, creating a number of chances that they failed to utilise.
The coach said after that he has had just a couple of training sessions and if they can be forward-thinking like that after just a few sessions, there is plenty to look forward to once the coach has time with his players.
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Brave decision-making
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Benni McCarthy is not afraid to make big decsions. Photo/FKF Media
Benni McCarthy may not have been able to fully select his own team in the first two matches, given he still does not know the players, but his in-game management showed that he has the personality and courage to deal with anyone.
Big-name players who underperform now know that there are no guarantees of a place in the squad as selection will be based on merit.
His great reading of the game also saw him make substitutions designed to change the course of the tie, adding positivity and energy when needed, while he is brave enough to give youngsters opportunities in the starting XI if they impress.
This will give plenty of upcoming players hope that they will get minutes whenever they earn call-ups and not just make the numbers as the foreign-based contingent hog the limelight.
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Ian Otieno explains what to expect from Benni McCarthy as Harambee Stars welcome Gabon in the 2026 World Cup qualifier clash.
