Former international footballer Taiwo Atieno has encouraged Kenyans to have faith in Harambee Stars’ potential to qualify for the World Cup, following the Football Kenya Federation’s (FKF) decision to appoint South African football legend Benni McCarthy as the head coach of the national team.
The 47-year-old McCarthy was officially presented on Monday after months of speculation, stepping in as the successor to Turkish coach Engin Firat, who was dismissed due to his failure to lead the Harambee Stars to the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) set for Morocco in 2025.
McCarthy’s coaching staff will include Vasili Manoussaki, Joseph Moeneb (goalkeeping coach), and Pilela Maposa (performance analyst), and he has signed a contract that extends until the 2027 AFCON, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
His first challenge will be the World Cup qualifying matches, kicking off with an away game against Gambia on March 17th, followed by a home match against Gabon on March 24th. Currently, Kenya sits fourth in Group F with just five points, trailing leaders Ivory Coast by five points, while Gabon is in second place with nine points and Burundi sits third with seven points.
During Firat’s tenure, Kenya played four matches: suffering a 2-1 defeat against Gabon, bouncing back with a 5-0 win over Seychelles, drawing 1-1 with Burundi, and managing a crucial 0-0 draw against the African champions, Ivory Coast.
McCarthy as the David to Inspire Victory over Goliath
In an exclusive interview following McCarthy’s unveiling, Atieno expressed that the arrival of the former Bafana Bafana striker was just what Kenyan football needed to awaken from its slumber.
“As a footballing nation, we face a Goliath to overcome, but now I believe we have our David to inspire us. Benni is among the most celebrated professional players from Africa; he knows how to conquer formidable challenges.”
Atieno, who was born in Brixton, England to Kenyan parents and chose to represent Harambee Stars, elaborated on his support for the FKF’s decision to appoint McCarthy, whose last role was as an assistant at Premier League club Manchester United.
“What I respect about Benni is his relentless spirit and enduring love, desire, and passion for the game. I believe this will motivate the players to perform without fear and reach new heights,” noted Atieno, who competed for Kenya during the FIFA World Cup 2010 qualifiers and at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
“As I’ve mentioned before, Kenya is the 27th largest country globally (England is 26th) and the seventh-largest economy in Africa. We must start believing that we can qualify for a World Cup and harness that belief to push our training and efforts to new levels.”
“I’ve been raised in a nation that consistently qualifies for World Cups. Everyone in England believes in and strives towards that goal. After fifteen years of involvement in Kenyan football, I am confident that Kenya possesses the passion and love for football needed to elevate our aspirations.”
“When we all begin dreaming collectively and supporting each other positively towards this goal, that’s when dreams become reality! But it requires significant hard work and sacrifice.”
Kimanzi Praises McCarthy’s Appointment
Harambee Stars’ interim coach, Francis Kimanzi, expressed his enthusiasm over McCarthy’s appointment, stating that he is inspired and motivated to assist him in taking Kenyan football to new heights.
“Football is universally the same; our aspirations here reflect those of teams in Europe. Sometimes our challenges arise from behind-the-scenes issues. I am optimistic and pleased that we now have a fresh perspective in McCarthy, and I hope to exchange valuable insights with him for the benefit of our local game,” Kimanzi commented.
“There is unanimous support for McCarthy’s appointment; it is a commendable decision. The focus now is on how we have previously conducted ourselves and how Benni envisions us moving forward. We are very motivated, encouraged, and eager to support him as we aim to elevate Kenyan football.”
Former Harambee Stars striker Allan Wanga remarked, “I have confidence in coach McCarthy as he boasts a proven record and is a terrific addition to the national team.”
“As a former striker, I can attest that during his time at Manchester United as an assistant, the strikers thrived, which is a significant advantage for our forwards. Previously, we have had coaches whose football careers were not well-known, but with him, there is confidence in his legacy; this is a substantial step for us.”
FKF Vice-President Macdonald Mariga, who, like McCarthy, won a Champions League title with Inter Milan, elaborated on what McCarthy will bring to Kenyan football and the reasons behind his selection.
“By harnessing both European and African experiences, McCarthy stands out as the ideal choice to propel our football forward. He has participated in AFCON as a top scorer, represented South Africa in the World Cup, and Kenya has yet to reach that level. He has also won the Champions League, making him instrumental in our advancement; we are on the right path.”
FKF President stated, “Following a thorough selection process, we are confident in McCarthy’s ability to lead our national team moving forward. His experience, vision, and dedication to developing Kenyan football align seamlessly with our aspirations.
“The federation, in partnership with the Ministry, is devoted to building a competitive national team capable of challenging football’s elite. We will continue to work closely to ensure the new Harambee Stars technical bench receives the necessary resources for success.”
Former Gor Mahia star and Kenyan football legend John Bobby Ogolla stated, “This marks a new era for Kenyan football; it’s indeed a fresh start. However, I urge FKF to grant McCarthy the time he needs; we shouldn’t judge him based on just two or three matches.
“We need to show him support and allow him the freedom to execute his vision. He is a talented coach, and with the backing of everyone, I am confident we will witness the results.”
On Tuesday, McCarthy, along with goalkeeping coach Moineeb Josephs, paid a courtesy visit to Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, Hon. Salim Mvurya, and PS Eng. Peter K. Tum.
CS Mvurya conveyed his confidence in McCarthy’s ability to elevate the team, citing his extensive experience at the highest levels of football.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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