Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy has been in Kenya for just one month but he has already left a big impression on his new players.
McCarthy was unveiled head coach of the Kenya national team on March 3 and two weeks later, he took charge of his first match as the Harambee Stars played away to the Gambia before a home match against Gabon in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
His team came from behind twice to draw 3-3 with the Scorpions before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s brace sunk his side at home as they lost 2-1.
Ex-Chiefs star sees lot of progress
That was just after a couple of training sessions and after his team put on an impressive display, playing on the front foot in both matches, midfielder Anthony Akumu believes it is just a matter of time before they start showing their claws.
“I really enjoyed playing under McCarthy in the last two games in the World Cup qualifiers,” the former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Akumu told Telecomasia.net.
“He is a great coach and really knows what he is doing. We played like that [attractive football] after just three sessions. Just imagine the change we will see when we train longer?
What is next for Benni’s Kenya?
“I believe he will succeed with the national team because he has already shown what he can do.”
The five dropped points in the World Cup qualifiers left Kenya all but out of contention for a place at next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico as they have six points from as many matches, while leaders Ivory Coast and second-placed Gabon have 16 and 15 points respectively.
However, McCarthy has a chance to show his mettle at the 2024 African Nations Championships which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
