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How new Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy will manage to convince foreign-based players, including dual-citizens like Linton Maina & Djed Spence, to play for Harambee Stars.
Newly appointed Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has unveiled his strategy to persuade dual-nationality players, including Linton Maina and Tottenham Hotspur's Djed Spence, to commit to the Kenyan national team.
The 47-year-old tactician, who signed a contract running until the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, emphasised the importance of building strong relationships with foreign-based players.
His immediate task will be preparing the squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Gambia (March 17) and Gabon (March 24).
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14:30 - 04.03.2025
Harambee Stars: 5 players whose places are at risk under new coach Benni McCarthy
New Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy will begin his Kenyan assignment with 2026 World Cup qualifiers this month but which players risk missing out?
Kenya has already seen success in convincing players with Kenyan heritage to switch allegiance. Under former coach Engin Firat, Daniel Anyembe, Adam Wilson, Tobias Knost, and Zak Vyner were among those who pledged their futures to the team, though Vyner's paperwork was never finalised.
However, several high-profile prospects remain up for grabs, and McCarthy is determined to secure their commitment.
Speaking during his unveiling in Nairobi, McCarthy credited Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed and Vice President McDonald Mariga for their backing, stating that their support will be crucial in convincing foreign-based stars to join the squad.
“The international players—when I have an opportunity in the window, after speaking with the President (Hussein) and his deputy (Mariga)—I will visit them in (countries like) Spain and Europe so they do not feel that ‘Ah! Our focus is only on local players!’” McCarthy explained.
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19:48 - 02.03.2025
Canopy & seat installation resume as Phase II of Kasarani renovations gains momentum [VIDEO]
Phase II of renovations at Kasarani Stadium are making fine progress ahead of the April deadline.
“We will try and visit those players so we can have better relationships so that when they come here, they will be coming with happy hearts so that results can go in our favor.”
McCarthy, a Champions League winner with Porto in 2004, also dismissed the over-reliance on data analytics in player scouting, insisting on an old-school approach.
“For me, I do not like what a computer tells me. I am from a generation where what a naked eye sees cannot be missed.”
McCarthy had hoped to watch the Mashemeji Derby between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia but was unable to due to its postponement. The South African coach expressed disappointment, as he sees live games as an essential part of understanding the local football culture.
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05:48 - 04.03.2025
Benni McCarthy playfully opens up about settling into Harambee Stars role
South African Benni McCarthy playfully shares concerns as he takes charge of Harambee Stars
“Due to stadium issues, CAF regulations, and just for safety from what I read and understood, that is why the game was postponed.
“But I want to watch as many local games as possible before the national team is called up because there is still time for players to do well and be selected before being called up,” he said.
McCarthy also outlined his tactical vision, stressing that winning is non-negotiable. While he admires Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, he acknowledges that such a playing style is difficult to replicate without significant financial investment.
“I want to play a style of football the players understand, with a lot of hard work, discipline, and willingness to learn, because some have experience and some do not.”
“Players must be ready to learn, but the ultimate goal is to play football that Kenyans will identify with because it is a country based on hard work and being proud to be part of the nation.”
As McCarthy begins his tenure, his ability to secure the commitments of top-tier dual-national players like Maina and Spence could prove crucial in shaping the future of Harambee Stars.
His direct approach, coupled with FKF’s support, might just be what Kenya needs to build a formidable squad ahead of upcoming qualifiers and the 2027 AFCON.
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