Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has urged local-based players to justify their inclusion in the team with a master-class act against formidable opponents.
McCarthy made the remarks after unveiling a robust 50-member provisional squad ahead of the crucial 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Gabon and Gambia.
As the players prepare to report to camp today, McCarthy promptly reminded them that the qualifiers demand a symphony of skill, grit, and unwavering determination.
“Wednesday will be my first camp with local-based players to assess the quality for the upcoming CHAN and identify potential additions for the World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon.”
“We expect them to step out of the shadows and into the limelight, to demonstrate they possess not only the technical skills required but also the mental fortitude to compete at the highest level. The weight of expectation looms large,” he added.
The squad features a blend of seasoned and blossoming talents. The inclusion of young prospects like Kelly Madada and Andreas Odhiambo, alongside debut call-up for Australiabased William Lenkupae, paints a picture of a team embracing both experience and fresh potential.
With the stakes higher than ever, McCarthy has issued a clarion call to local-based players, urging them to seize the moment and prove their worth on the international stage.
“It is a moment of reckoning for these players, many of whom have spent years honing their skills in local leagues and dreaming of the day they would don the national colours,” he added.
The Stars will kick off their campaign with a pivotal clash against the Gambian Scorpions at the Stade Allasane Ouattara, Ivory Coast on March 20.
McCarthy reckons the away match will test his players’ mettle and serve as a litmus test for the squad, challenging their resilience and tactical acumen in a hostile environment.
“The players must rise to the occasion, showcasing their skills and determination in front of a hostile crowd,” McCarthy said.
But the journey doesn’t end there. The Stars return home, where they will take on Gabonese Panthers at Nyayo Stadium on March 23.
“The significance of playing on
home soil can’t also be underestimated. It is here that the players can
draw strength from the unwavering
support of their compatriots, instilling
a sense of pride and purpose as they
battle for national honor,” he added.
