Benni McCarthy’s key message to Kenya ahead of first match

Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy has delivered a key message ahead of his highly anticipated debut as the Kenya national team coach.

McCarthy will lead the Harambee Stars for the first time when they face Gambia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match on Thursday evening.

McCarthy was officially unveiled as the head coach for the East African nation earlier this month. Kenya is currently fourth in Group F and trails leaders Ivory Coast by five points after four matches played.

After the match against Gambia, Kenya will host Gabon at Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi on Sunday.

The former AmaZulu FC and Cape Town City FC coach has also shared some insight on his first few days of training with his squad.

KENYA NATIONAL TEAM COACH REFLECTS ON HIS FIRST FEW DAYS OF TRAINING

“It’s not been a very smooth and easy journey because obviously most of our players played on Sunday and they had to travel on Monday,” said McCarthy.

So this [Wednesday] was the first and only training session we had together as a team. There is always pressure in football matches. If you become a manager pressure comes with it. But it’s something that I try to go with it. I am excited because I think we have a really good team.”

WHY KENYANS WILL BE PROUD OF THE HARAMBEE STARS UNDER BENNI MCCARTHY

“We are just going for it and I think Kenyans are going to be proud of this team. They are going to enjoy what they see,” he said.

“They will support the team with passion because players are going to show it on the pitch and what it means to put it on that Kenyan shirt. That’s what I want them to showcase and most important is to win.

“We have to score goals and we have to make sure that we go back to Kenya and prepare very well for our next game because we want to have the three points in the bag. That’s what I can promise the team.”

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