I’m not here to please anyone: Harambee Stars coach tells CHAN squad critics

Harambee Stars head coach Benny McCarthy has fired back at fans unhappy with the players picked to represent Kenya in the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament.

McCarthy was responding to criticism from sections of fans who questioned the omission of “their preferred” players from the squad for the tournament, set to kick off on August 2.

CHAN 2025 will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

“You can’t please everyone, and I am not here to please people. I am here to bring success to this country,” McCarthy said.

“The players we have selected are those we have observed and worked with in camp.”

The coach emphasised the unique nature of CHAN, which restricts participation to players active in their domestic leagues.

“This tournament is quite different from others like World Cup qualifiers because it only involves local players. The selected players are those whose qualities we have seen and who we believe can take the team forward,” he explained.

McCarthy also questioned whether it would be wise to select players based on a few standout performances rather than consistency over an entire season.

“I know talent when I see it, and the players we have chosen are the ones I believe can deliver great results. We are not here to simply participate but to make a statement and get the desired outcomes,” he added.

“I know the boys I have are capable of taking this team where it should be.”

The tournament will kick off with hosts Tanzania facing Burkina Faso on August 2.

Kenya will play their opening match against DR Congo at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on August 3.