How McCarthy Convinced Harambee Stars Players To End Training Boycott

Benni McCarthy has disclosed how he persuaded Harambee Stars players to return to training ahead of their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Eritrea after a payment dispute threatened to disrupt the team’s preparations.

The coach revealed that the squad had refused to train over unpaid allowances, leaving him with the difficult task of getting the players ready for the match at Nyayo National Stadium.

With the encounter approaching, McCarthy said he personally convinced the players to attend a training session on the eve of the game, giving the team only one opportunity to prepare together.

“I had to convince the players to train the day before the Eritrea game. I would never allow players to refuse to play because of issues they have,” he recalled.

The former Manchester United forwards’ coach said his responsibility was to ensure the team remained focused on its football commitments despite the disagreement over payments.

The players eventually received most of their outstanding allowances while travelling to Guinea for their second Group D fixture.

McCarthy attributed the development to pressure directed at the federation and the Ministry of Sports.

However, the payment challenges have not entirely disappeared.

The coach recently confirmed that he and his technical staff are still owed money, despite the players having received their outstanding allowances.

McCarthy warned that FIFA and the Confederation of African Football could be drawn into the matter if the authorities fail to resolve it.

The disclosure comes ahead of Kenya’s meeting with South Africa at Orlando Stadium on Friday, November 13.

The Stars have managed one point from two qualifiers, drawing 1-1 with Eritrea before losing 1-0 to Guinea in Conakry.

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