Benni McCarthy’s Plan to Transform Harambee Stars

Kenya’s national team coach, Benni McCarthy, has had a challenging start to his tenure, managing a draw and a loss in his first two FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon. Despite the setbacks, the former Manchester United coach has outlined a strategic plan to make Harambee Stars more competitive on the African stage.

Scouting Local Talent as a Priority

McCarthy acknowledges that his quick appointment before the international break left him with little time to assess his squad adequately. With Kenya already out of the World Cup qualification race, he is shifting his focus to scouting local talent. His plan involves traveling across the country to watch domestic matches and identify promising players.

Additionally, McCarthy intends to hold small training camps in between international breaks. These camps will provide an opportunity to build team chemistry, evaluate players more closely, and establish a cohesive playing philosophy for the team.

McCarthy’s Commitment to Stronger Harambee Stars

Speaking to the media, McCarthy expressed his dedication to assembling a competitive team.

“I haven’t watched many local games because I came in and immediately had to focus on the World Cup qualifiers. I had to rely a lot on the coaches who are there. But now, we have time between now and August. I will move around the country to try and see as many players as possible,” McCarthy said.

“I am also hoping that we can organise small camps in between with some selected players so that we get to build a team early enough. We have to put up a very strong Harambee Stars side because we are hosting this tournament, and we can’t be there just to participate. We have to work to get out of the group stages and into the knockout rounds, and that means we need to get a very strong team.”

Building for the Future

This is McCarthy’s first role as a national team head coach, and he sees it as an opportunity to establish himself in international football management. His long-term vision includes turning Kenya into a formidable team that can compete for continental titles.

Kenya has produced football talents such as Victor Wanyama and Michael Olunga, who have excelled in international leagues. With proper scouting, development programs, and tactical improvements, McCarthy believes that Harambee Stars can rise to become a dominant force in East African football.

What’s Next for Harambee Stars?

Kenya is set to host the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August, which presents a perfect platform for McCarthy to test his new squad and strategies. The tournament will serve as a critical assessment of his progress in building a competitive team. As he continues to refine his squad, all eyes will be on how the national team performs under his leadership in the coming months.