Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga tries to go past a group of Gabon players during 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier on March 23/HANDOUTHarambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has admitted that he had limited time to evaluate players before their encounters against Gabon and the Gambia and had to rely heavily on the local coaches.
With the next round of World Cup qualifying scheduled for September, McCarthy has turned his focus to the forthcoming continental showpiece, which will take place in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
Kenya faces a formidable challenge in Group A, also featuring Zambia, Angola, Morocco, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
He said he is determined to put together a team that will advance to the knockout rounds. McCarthy has, this time, devised a plan to rummage through the local football scene for a robust team capable of competing at the highest levels.
“I came in and had to immediately focus on the World Cup qualifiers, so I have not watched many local games. I was heavily dependent on the local coaches. However, there is still time before August.”
He added: “I will travel across the nation to try and see as many players as possible. I also hope we can set up little camps with a few selected players in between so that we can build a team early enough,” the coach said.
He said engaging with local coaches and scouting networks could build a cohesive unit that understands his tactical philosophy, adding that the grass-roots approach is essential for building a formidable squad.
After roping in a spark of raw talent with an insatiable appetite for victory, McCarthy aims to establish small training camps with selected players to foster camaraderie and enhance team dynamics.
“This will facilitate skill development and create a sense of unity among the players, a critical component for any successful team,” he said.
McCarthy’s vision extends beyond immediate results as he seeks to lay the groundwork for a sustainable footballing culture in Kenya.
He reiterated his ambition to instill a winning mentality within the squad and to inspire confidence.
“I believe that everyone ought to be extremely terrified by the type of team we are currently assembling,” McCarthy asserted.
The coach exuded confidence that Kenya will successfully chase the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) title in August.
The South African gaffer said strong showings against Gabon and the Gambia in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers reinforced his belief in the team’s potential top compete at the top.
“We can’t just show up to play. We need to field a strong team because we are hosting the tourney. We must assemble a very strong team if we want to move past the group stages,” McCarthy stated.
McCarthy underlined the value of early preparation as the tournament draws near, citing his own playing experience as evidence that success frequently comes from careful planning and diligence.
“With the right preparation, I
believe Kenya can be a force in African football,” McCarthy said.
