Benni McCarthy highlighted the important aspects of the Harambee Stars Head Coach role as he expressed that he felt at home upon arriving in Kenya, in an interview with the FKF Head of Communications.
During the unveiling ceremony, McCarthy was presented with a spear, a shield, a framed Harambee Stars kit, and a lion sculpture, signaling that his work had begun.
In the interview, McCarthy mentioned that he had received offers from several clubs in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States but chose to come to Kenya, viewing it as a sleeping giant with a wealth of talented young players. He believed he could do something special with them, which motivated him to accept the position.
He explained that the Football Kenya Federation admired his challenging journey from South Africa to Europe, believing that his mentality and mindset made him a good fit for the role.
“I will be in the country for as long as possible to watch hundreds of local matches in the domestic league, as well as visit and observe players playing abroad. I believe in watching players live, not just stats or highlights. I trust what I see with my own eyes,” McCarthy expressed.
This is his first time managing a national team, and he acknowledged the pressure that comes with it. However, he has developed plans that he believes will turn that pressure into a privilege.
Regarding the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon, he reflected on the missed opportunity of not qualifying for AFCON but emphasized his ambition to start strong in those two matches, which would be a significant achievement if accomplished.
In terms of long-term goals, he aims to work with the federation to ensure that the national team plays their home matches in Kenya. He believes this will be crucial for nurturing young players and maintaining consistency in qualification for continental tournaments.
“For me, if you are good enough, you are old enough. I don’t care if you are 15; we will give players an opportunity based on merit,” he stated.
He also emphasized the importance of building a good relationship and open communication with youth team coaches to ensure a smooth transition for players moving up to the senior team. He insisted that age should not be a barrier if a player possesses the required skills to compete at the senior level.
When asked about his preferred style of play, he explained that he wants to implement a style that the players can quickly understand, which requires hard work and a focus on winning matches.
“We need the support of the fans, and I ask for their patience with the team. They will see a significant change in the Kenyan football landscape, one that is more accustomed to winning,” he concluded in his remarks to football fans across the country.
