Benni McCarthy Responds To Harambee Stars Criticism Over Team Selection

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has defended his selection decisions, arguing that much of the criticism directed at him comes from supporters who are unaware of the challenges affecting the national team.

In an interview with Sporty TV, the South African tactician said fans often judge his work based on match results and the absence of certain players without understanding the circumstances behind his choices.

McCarthy explained that some footballers have declined national team invitations because of unresolved issues within the team, leaving him with fewer options when assembling his squad.

He said the situation has sometimes forced him to select players further down his preferred list, making his job more difficult.

The coach also pointed to financial disputes as one of the reasons behind the difficulties, revealing that members of his technical bench had gone three months without receiving their salaries.

The problems became particularly evident during the September-October international window when Harambee Stars players refused to train over unpaid allowances ahead of their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Eritrea.

McCarthy intervened to persuade the players to resume training, but Kenya eventually settled for a 1-1 draw against Eritrea at Nyayo Stadium before losing 1-0 to Guinea in Conakry five days later.

Those results attracted criticism from supporters, with questions also raised about the coach’s squad selections and tactical decisions.

However, McCarthy believes the public does not have the full picture when assessing his performance.

The former Porto striker is currently preparing Kenya for two encounters against South Africa, his home country, on November 13 and 17.

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