Harambee Stars assistant coach defends Benni McCarthy's squad selection
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 06.06.25. | 12:36
The match against Chad forms part of McCarthy’s efforts to fine-tune the squad as he continues to assess talent ahead of more competitive fixtures later in the year
Harambee Stars assistant coach Anthony Kimani has defended head coach Benni McCarthy’s squad selection as the national team gears up to face Chad in an international friendly match set for Saturday, 7 June, in Morocco.
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McCarthy, in his second call-up at the helm of the Stars, named the squad on Tuesday, 27 May, a list that initially included a sensational return of former captain Victor Wanyama.
However, Wanyama later withdrew from the squad for undisclosed reasons.
Other notable recalls included Bandari FC youngster David Sakwa, The New Saints winger Adam Wilson, and Gor Mahia midfielder Alpha Onyango.
Also making their way back into the national fold were Kakamega Homeboyz striker Moses Shumah and Gor Mahia centre-back Alphonce Omija, both of whom had missed recent call-ups.
The squad also featured several new faces, including versatile Bandari defender Swaleh Pamba and Bidco United’s Kenneth Nyamwaya.
However, the selections sparked debate among local football fans, some of whom believe standout performers from the FKF Premier League and National Super League (NSL) were overlooked.
Among those mentioned by fans as big omissions were Biron Otieno (Kariobangi Sharks), Brian Michira (Shabana), Edwin Ondimo (Sofapaka), Brian Eshihanda (Kakamega Homeboyz), and top NSL scorers such as Elias Mugane (Fortune Sacco), Veron Ombima (Darajani Gogo), and Timothy Ndayala (Samwest Blackboots).
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Addressing the criticism, Kimani, who previously managed AFC Leopards and Kenya Police FC, urged players not selected to remain motivated, assuring them that the door to the national team remains open.
“We have selected the very best at the moment,” Kimani said. “As the coach stated earlier, there is still room for more players to come on board.
Those selected now have a great opportunity to show what they can do and secure their spot going forward."
“That doesn’t shut the door. The national team is always a revolving door. Any player performing well will catch the coach’s eye and could be part of the squad in the future.”
Looking ahead to the Chad fixture, Kimani said the team’s morale in camp is high and the technical bench is facing the welcome headache of picking a starting XI.
“The mood in camp is fantastic. Every player is pushing to give his best,” he told FKF Media from Morocco. “They're giving us a real selection headache because everyone wants to represent the country, and the energy is incredible.”
The match against Chad forms part of McCarthy’s efforts to fine-tune the squad as he continues to assess talent ahead of more competitive fixtures later in the year.
