Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has shed light on why he did not have Gor Mahia and Tusker FC players in his squad for matches against Gambia and Gabon.
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has hit out at Gor Mahia and Tusker FC for not releasing their players for national team duty.
McCarthy did not field players from the two clubs in matches against The Gambia, which ended 3-3, and Gabon, which Kenya lost 2-1, although Ronny Onyango, who had been on trials in Norway, played while Ben Stanley Omondi was on the bench.
The Harambee Stars tactician says his hands were tied when the two clubs requested to have their players stay behind for some time as they had league commitments, Tusker playing Posta Rangers while Gor Mahia faced Bandari.
“When I arrived, I requested three days to evaluate some of the top players in the Kenyan league,” McCarthy said after his team’s loss to Gabon as per Mozzart Sport.
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.
“The players available during that period are the ones I selected. Gor Mahia and Tusker asked for permission to keep their players, and we agreed. But I can’t select players I haven’t seen in action or know nothing about, which is why none of them were in the squad.”
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McCarthy had named Ronny Onyango, Ben Stanley Omondi, Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Lawrence Juma, Alpha Onyango and Austin Odhiambo from Gor Mahia in his provisional squad for the two World Cup qualifiers.
From Tusker, Brian Opondo, Chris Erambo, Eric Balecho and Ryan Ogam had made the team, with the latter even joining national team training against his club’s wish.
McCarthy’s sentiments will likely put him on a collision course with the two clubs who have some of the most exciting talents that can boost the national team.
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South Africans continue to send mixed signals regarding Benni McCarthy’ appointment as Harambee Stars coach.
The Harambee Stars coach had watched Gor Mahia players in action when he attended an FKF Premier League game between K’Ogalo and Kariobangi Sharks just days after his unveiling.
