Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy believes that no current Kenyan striker can surpass his captain, Michael Olunga. He asserts that the Qatar-based forward will continue to lead the team’s attack until a better option emerges.
In an interview with NTV, McCarthy expressed admiration for Olunga’s skills, saying,
“Michael is one of the best finishers we have in Kenya. I know he receives a lot of negative criticism, but if you train with a player like that, you truly understand his value.”
McCarthy, who has coached and played at the highest levels, further emphasized the rarity of having a player of Olunga’s caliber.
“For someone who has played and coached at the highest level, it’s rare to find a player like Michael. We have that player on our team, so of course he will always be a priority. Other players will have to prove why they deserve to take his place,” he added.
Benni McCarthy, whose appointment as coach of the Kenyan National Team received widespread praise, noted the positive reception of the team’s transformation in style of play during the two matches he has overseen so far. He acknowledged that the person who inspired him to become a coach is none other than the renowned Jose Mourinho.
“The person who really made me want to go into coaching was Jose Mourinho during my time at Porto. He was a young coach, just 39 years old when he came to Porto; he was still quite young, working with senior players. I thought, ‘if that’s what a coach is meant to be, then I want to be a coach like him.’
The love he had from players was incredible; I would literally break my leg playing for him.” McCarthy won the UEFA Champions League with Porto in 2004 under the guidance of the Special One, Jose Mourinho.
