Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has sent a bold message to Kenyans while explaining his stategy to prepare charges for the World Cup qualifiers.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has set his sights on closing the gap on Group F leaders Ivory Coast as Kenya continues its 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign.
Currently placed fourth after four matches, Stars have accumulated five points from one win, two draws, and one defeat. They have found the back of the net seven times while conceding three, boasting a goal difference of +4.
Ivory Coast leads the group with 10 points, closely followed by Gabon (9 points) and Burundi (7 points). With four matches remaining, McCarthy is determined to steer Kenya up the table, beginning with two crucial fixtures—an away clash against The Gambia on March 20, 2025, followed by a home encounter against Gabon.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe has set high expectations for his fellow South African Benni McCarthy who was recently appointed Harambee Stars coach.
Having been unveiled as Harambee Stars’ head coach earlier this month, McCarthy brings a wealth of experience, having worked as a first-team coach at Manchester United and previously managed South African clubs Cape Town City and AmaZulu.
Speaking at the team’s training base at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, the former Porto and Blackburn Rovers striker outlined his approach to the upcoming qualifiers.
“Our first priority is the Gambia match on the 20th for the World Cup qualification. That is our first priority,” McCarthy stated, emphasizing the importance of the fixture.
“Hopefully, we can get a team ready to go out there and fight and bring pride to the Kenyan nation. Then, we build on from there to Gabon, and hopefully, we’re on a good path to fulfilling the ultimate dream.”
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Kenya has been dealt a blow in its ambitious multi-billion Talanta stadium project earmarked for AFCON 2027 with audit revealing millions lost.
While catching Ivory Coast at the top of the group remains a daunting task, McCarthy is confident that the squad possesses the necessary talent and quality to rise to the challenge.
Despite the uphill battle, McCarthy remains optimistic and has assured fans of a revitalized team that will fight for every point.
“We’re going to work extremely hard to get this team ready and right so that they can be proud of the players when they put on the Kenyan shirt,” he declared.
“I think we’re going to give them a team that’s hardworking, that’s fighting, that’s trying to play good football. But most importantly, we’re going to give them a team that wants to win football matches.”
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Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has recalled one forgotten deender who has been out of the team since 2021.
McCarthy believes that patience and perseverance will be key as Kenya seeks to establish itself as a serious contender for a place at the 2026 World Cup.
“It’s just a matter of time before we get it right and things go perfectly. Then, I think everybody will be proud of the team they support and that represents them as Kenyans. That’s what me, my technical team, and the coaches here want to bring to this country. We want to bring a football team that people can be proud of.”
With a highly anticipated new chapter underway, Harambee Stars fans will be hoping McCarthy’s leadership translates into positive results on the pitch as Kenya aims to make history.
