Kenya Release Provisional Squad Ahead of Meeting With South Africa

Benni McCarthy Names Kenya Squad Ahead of Highly Anticipated South African Homecoming

Kenya national team head coach Benni McCarthy has announced his provisional squad ahead of the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header against South Africa, setting the stage for an exciting homecoming for the former Bafana Bafana striker.

The former South African international is preparing to return to familiar territory, this time as the man in charge of the Harambee Stars. His return promises to attract significant attention, considering his legendary status in South African football and the important role he previously played in the national team.

McCarthy has selected a 36-man provisional squad as Kenya prepare for two important encounters against South Africa in November. The first meeting will take place in Johannesburg on November 13, before the teams travel to Nairobi for the return fixture on November 17 at Nyayo National Stadium.

The squad features a combination of experienced internationals, returning players and promising young talents. Among the notable names is experienced striker Michael Olunga, whose inclusion provides Kenya with an important attacking option.

Defender Joseph Okumu also returns after recovering from a long-term injury, while South Africa-based goalkeeper Ian Otieno of Richards Bay has earned a recall. Daniel Anyembe and Gor Mahia midfielder Alpha Onyango are other players expected to strengthen McCarthy’s options.

Young talents Aldrine Kibet and Job Ochieng have also been included, highlighting the coach’s intention to build a competitive squad with a mixture of youth and experience.

For McCarthy, however, the upcoming fixtures carry an additional personal significance. Facing his home country for the first time in his current managerial capacity will undoubtedly make the occasion special.

The former Bafana Bafana striker understands the quality of South African football and will be familiar with several aspects of the national team’s setup. However, his priority will be ensuring that Kenya approach both matches with the right mentality and tactical discipline.

South Africa, meanwhile, will be looking to maintain their impressive start to the qualifying campaign under head coach Pitso Mosimane. Bafana Bafana currently sit at the top of Group D after collecting six points from their opening two matches.

They began their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Guinea before producing an emphatic 5-0 win against Eritrea. Those results have placed South Africa in a strong position heading into the November fixtures.

Kenya, on the other hand, will be hoping to improve their performances after drawing 1-1 with Eritrea and suffering a 1-0 defeat against Guinea in their opening matches.

Although Kenya have already secured an automatic place at the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts alongside Tanzania and Uganda, McCarthy will want to use these encounters to build a stronger team ahead of the tournament.

The double-header also presents an interesting coaching contest between McCarthy and Mosimane, two prominent South African football figures who will be eager to deliver positive results for their respective nations.

With the first encounter scheduled for Johannesburg, South African supporters will have an opportunity to welcome one of their country’s most celebrated former strikers back onto home soil.

McCarthy will certainly be hoping to make his homecoming memorable, but he faces a difficult assignment against a Bafana Bafana side determined to maintain its winning momentum.

Source https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2116101299380813891?a=n_G4NlbI5ICG1sR5YLE&s=19

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