Benni McCarthy Urges Patience Amid Kenya’s Winless Streak

NAIROBI, Kenya — Benni McCarthy, the head coach of the Harambee Stars, has called for calm and patience from Kenyan fans following the team’s winless run since he took charge. The South African coach made his appeal during a recent interview ahead of an international friendly match against Chad.

McCarthy has faced criticism following a 0-0 draw with Chad on June 7, marking the third match he has overseen since his appointment. He emphasized that building a competitive team takes time, referencing the saying, ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day.’ The coach stressed that the matches are meant for development rather than immediate results.

“What people need to understand is that I am trying to build a squad for the African Nations Championship (CHAN),” McCarthy stated. “These are preparation games, and while I want to win, I also need to evaluate the players and their qualities at the international level.”

He elaborated on the challenge of helping players transition from local clubs to the national team. “They’re not playing for AFC Leopards or Gor Mahia; they are representing Kenya. It’s different,” he explained.

McCarthy’s previous coaching roles include leading teams in South Africa’s Premier Division, and he is regarded as the country’s all-time top scorer with 31 goals. He noted that the pressure to perform quickly is significant, but he remains focused on slowly developing team chemistry.

Reflecting on the draw against Chad, McCarthy acknowledged that while the team dominated possession, they failed to convert opportunities into goals. He cited the high temperatures during the match, noting that the conditions were challenging for his players.

As Harambee Stars prepare for a rematch against Chad on June 10, the coach aims to assess player performance and readiness for the upcoming CHAN. “We need to build and prepare these players for future competitions,” he reiterated.

McCarthy concluded by highlighting the larger goal of creating a cohesive unit capable of competing in both regional and global tournaments. “It isn’t just about the World Cup; we must look ahead to the African Nations Championship,” he said.