‘I hope my players will be ready for that’

Benni McCarthy has vowed to instill a winning mentality in Harambee Stars as he embarks on a mission to transform the team.

Benni McCarthy has revealed the one thing he cannot stand as he explained what he expects of the players following his appointment as Harambee Stars head coach.

The former South African football legend will be looking to give Harambee Stars an unforgettable experience but first, the players need to cooperate and work with him diligently to realise their lifelong dream.

Benni McCarthy noted that he knows the feeling of playing at a World Cup and it is an experience he wants to give the Kenyan players if they allow him to, with the qualifiers of the 2026 World Cup fast approaching.

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He has a tough task ahead since, in less than two weeks, Harambee Stars will be in action for the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers in the Gambia on March 17. On March 24, Kenya will then host Gabon but that does not seem to shake the tactician.

“I think Kenya has what it takes and I think they just kind of got a little bit of the upper hand, because they got someone who is an exceptional serial winner,” Benni McCarthy told BBC Africa.

“I hate losing, and I hope my players will be ready for that. I know first-hand what it was like playing and participating in the World Cup. It’s one of the most special feelings in the world, and I want to give them that.

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“The players that work under me must also have that same hunger, that same desire, that same passion.”

Benni McCarthy added that he is devoted to giving Kenyan football fans the best experiences, revealing that they deserve a national team that portrays the hard work of the nation.

Speaking about whom he would support if Bafana Bafana, the South African national team and Harambee Stars clash, Benni McCarthy passionately stated that he would walk hand in hand with the Kenyan team till the end.

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However, he was also quick to note that Bafana Bafana will forever as it gave him the platform to become one of the greatest football players. Benni McCarthy is also South Africa’s top scorer with 31 goals hence the attachment.

“When you put on that Kenyan shirt and you go all out, it’s all or nothing. Kenyan people are known for hard work, they are known for being loyal, and that’s the kind of national team I want to give them,” Benni McCarthy revealed.

“I want a national team that gives them exceptional hard work. My heart might be with Bafana but if we ever get to meet each other, and I’m on the touchline in the Kenyan national team, then Bafana doesn’t exist.”

As Harambee Stars head coach, Benni McCarthy brings vast experience into the club, having worked with Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.

As a player, Benni McCarthy plied his trade for top clubs like West Ham, Celta Vigo, Porto, Ajax, Orlando Pirates and Blackburn Rovers.