Benni McCarthy reveals Harambee Stars' hidden strength
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 03.06.26. | 11:00
McCarthy's biggest assignment as Harambee Stars coach came at last year's African Nations Championship (CHAN), where he guided Kenya to an impressive quarter-final finish
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has revealed that the discipline and professionalism of his players have been among the most pleasing aspects of his tenure, saying he has never had any issues managing the squad since taking charge.
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McCarthy, who has been at the helm of the national team for the past 15 months, praised the players' work ethic, mentality, and commitment, insisting their attitude has played a major role in the team's progress.
Speaking ahead of Kenya's back-to-back international friendlies against Lesotho in South Africa, the UEFA Champions League winner with FC Porto said the players consistently give their all whenever they report for national duty.
"I never have a single problem with the players who have been coming in. Discipline has been really good; the work ethic, the mentality, the mindset that they have, they always give everything.
That's what you want to see. The progression of this national team is only getting better as time goes by," said McCarthy.
The former Manchester United forwards' coach believes the squad's strong character and professionalism have created a positive environment that continues to drive improvement within the team.
McCarthy's biggest assignment as Harambee Stars coach came at last year's African Nations Championship (CHAN), where he guided Kenya to an impressive quarter-final finish.
The national team's dream run, however, ended heartbreakingly against Madagascar after a cruel penalty shootout defeat denied them a place in the semi-finals.
His tenure has not been without setbacks. Among the most difficult moments was the humiliating 8-0 defeat to Senegal in an international friendly played in Turkey last November, a result that exposed the gap between Kenya and one of Africa's top football nations.
Despite the highs and lows, McCarthy remains encouraged by the progress, maintaining that the team's positive mentality and discipline continue to provide a strong foundation for future success.
“The progression for this national team is getting better and better as days go by, and the main aim is by the time the AFCON gets here, we want to be able to compete against a team the likes of Senegal,” McCarthy said.
Harambee Stars will now look to build on that progress when they face Lesotho in a two-legged friendly series in Pretoria, South Africa before turning their attention to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in September.
