Benni McCarthy Makes A Stunning Confession Before Facing Bafana Bafana

South African football legend Benni McCarthy has revealed that he and members of his technical team have gone several months without receiving their salaries while working with Kenya’s national football team, the Harambee Stars.

The former Bafana Bafana striker, who is currently coaching Kenya, made the revelation just days before his team faces South Africa in an important 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header.

Speaking to SportyTV on Tuesday, 10 November 2026, McCarthy explained that although some players have received outstanding allowances following pressure on the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the government, the coaching staff remain unpaid.

McCarthy said the financial challenges had previously disrupted the team’s preparations for international matches. He revealed that players eventually received some of their outstanding allowances, but payments to him and his technical team had still not been made.

The situation reportedly became serious ahead of Kenya’s earlier AFCON qualifying matches against Eritrea and Guinea, with some players threatening to boycott training because of unpaid allowances. McCarthy had to intervene and encourage the squad to continue fulfilling their national responsibilities.

Despite the financial difficulties, the South African coach insists that his commitment to improving Kenyan football remains strong. He says his ambition is to leave the country’s football system in a much better position than he found it.

However, McCarthy has warned that the situation cannot continue indefinitely, suggesting that FIFA and CAF could become involved if the outstanding payments remain unresolved.

His revelation comes ahead of an emotionally significant encounter against his home country. Kenya will face Bafana Bafana at Orlando Stadium on Friday, 13 November, before hosting South Africa in the return fixture in Nairobi on Tuesday, 17 November.

The Johannesburg match will be particularly special for McCarthy, who enjoyed an outstanding playing career with South Africa and remains one of the country’s most respected football figures.

Although he recognises the quality of the Bafana Bafana squad, McCarthy has made it clear that his priority is now securing positive results for Kenya.

He also believes significant progress has already been made under his leadership, claiming that Kenyan football is now in a considerably stronger position than when he arrived.

Meanwhile, Kenya’s football authorities face increasing pressure to resolve the salary dispute involving their head coach and technical staff.

As the Harambee Stars prepare for the showdown, McCarthy remains focused on his responsibilities despite the unresolved financial issues.

The upcoming fixture promises an emotional occasion as one of South Africa’s greatest football exports returns to face his country, this time leading the opposition from the technical area.

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