Alpha Onyango lifts the lid on captaining Harambee Stars under McCarthy

Gor Mahia midfielder Alpha Onyango has expressed his gratitude to Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy for trusting him with the captain’s armband during Kenya’s recent international friendly against Chad.

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The match, held in Marrakech, marked McCarthy’s first victory since taking charge of the national team, and it was Onyango who proudly led the team onto the pitch.

“It was a very special moment,” Onyango told Mozzart Sport. “This is a coach who just came in recently; he does not even know our streets well yet, but he trusted me to lead his team. That means a lot to me.”

Kenya earned a 2-1 win over Chad in the friendly, a result that gave the South African tactician his first triumph with the Stars.

Emmanuel Osoro put Kenya ahead early with a well-taken strike inside the six-yard box before David Sakwa doubled the lead just before halftime.

Chad pulled one back through Ali Mahamat Adam early in the second half, capitalizing on shaky defending, but Harambee Stars held firm to seal the victory.

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Onyango, who has been in blistering form for K’Ogalo, scoring three goals in the Mozzart Bet Cup to help Gor Mahia reach the final, shared McCarthy’s simple but powerful message to the players before the game.

“The coach told us to go out, have fun, and give our best. There was no pressure or special instructions to anyone,” he revealed.

Having struggled in the past to break consistently into the national team fold, Onyango described the call-up and captaincy as a major personal milestone.

“It was a privilege to represent my country again. I don’t take it for granted that many players never get that chance. I thank God for the opportunity,” he said.

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While acknowledging the pressure that comes with wearing the national colours, Onyango affirmed his readiness when called to task.

“Representing the country is a heavy responsibility, but I was ready to help my team, and I will always be ready when called upon,” he added.

Looking ahead, the midfielder expressed optimism that Kenya’s homegrown talent has what it takes to shine at the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN), which will be hosted in Kenya.

“We have the potential to reach the finals. The talent in this country is huge, and the players in our top tier have shown their quality. I believe they are up to the task.”