Kenya Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has come out swinging against local coaches and critics questioning his latest squad selection.
Speaking Monday evening at Nyayo National Stadium, the South African tactician made it clear that he will not be swayed by the “cries” of those outside his camp as Kenya prepares for the upcoming FIFA Series in Rwanda.
The selection for the March 27 clash against Estonia has been a lightning rod for debate in the Kenyan football scene, but McCarthy remains unfazed, prioritizing team cohesion and proven performance over public opinion.
“I Can’t Satisfy Everyone”
McCarthy addressed the media with his characteristic candor, emphasizing that his loyalty lies with the players who have delivered since his tenure began. “Football is a global sport and it’s a sport where you’re never going to satisfy everyone,” McCarthy stated. “You’ve got to do what’s right for you, what’s right for the team, and what’s right for what you know. A lot of the players you see (in camp) are players that have done well for me since I started here. So, I’m not going to turn my back now on anybody because some coaches are crying.”
In a direct jab at his critics in the local league, McCarthy suggested they focus on their own tactical shortcomings: “They need to worry about their position where they are in the logs and their teams.”
A major point of contention has been the balance between local-based talent and those playing in stronger leagues overseas. McCarthy defended his preference for high-level competition, citing the harsh lessons learned from previous experiments. “If we have players that play abroad and in much stronger competition, why would you not select a player that plays in a strong competition?” he posed. “When you experiment, you get a scenario where you go play Senegal… and experimenting doesn’t end well. Then who must face the music? I’m the one that has to answer for that.”
Despite his firm stance on the current squad, McCarthy insisted that the door isn’t closed for those excelling in the Kenyan Premier League or lower divisions. He confirmed that his technical bench is constantly “monitoring all the players in the local league,” and those who perform consistently will eventually earn their spot.
For now, the focus shifts to Rwanda, where the Harambee Stars look to prove that McCarthy’s “tried and tested” approach is the right formula for continental success.
