"I really enjoyed playing under McCarthy in the last two games in the World Cup qualifiers." That was Harambee Stars midfielder, Anthony 'Teddy' Akumu's response when asked for his thoughts on Benni McCarthy and it's clear the former Bafana Bafana legend is really working around the clock.
Akumu, a former player of Kaizer Chiefs' praise for McCarthy was delivered in an interview with Telecomasia.net.
The midfielder outlined how much he is enjoying working under McCarthy and he's optimistic he will succeed as an head coach.
“He is a great coach and really knows what he is doing. We played like that [attractive football] after just three sessions. Just imagine the change we will see when we train longer?
“I believe he will succeed with the national team because he has already shown what he can do.”
Benni McCarthy has stayed in Kenya for just one month, having been unveiled as head coach of the Kenya national team on March 3 but he has already made a strong impact on his new players.
During his first game, the Harambee Stars played away to the Gambia before a home match against Gabon in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
McCarthy's team came from behind twice to draw 3-3 with the Scorpions before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s brace sunk his side at home as they lost 2-1.
That was just after a few training sessions and after his team put on an fantastic display, outclassing and outmaneuvering their opponents in both matches.
The five dropped points in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers has left Kenya out of contention for a place at the global showpiece in the United States, Canada and Mexico as they have six points from as many matches, while leaders Ivory Coast and second-placed Gabon have 16 and 15 points respectively.
However, McCarthy stands a good chance of exhibiting his mettle at the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN) which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. The tournament is expected to take place from 2nd-to-30th August, 2025.
By: Pascal Amoah
