Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy during a training session at Moi Stadium, Kasarani/ TEDDY MULEI Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy says Tuesday’s squad reshuffle was a calculated move to inject fresh talent and added value into his side ahead of next month’s African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The South African tactician made the bold call after a low-key friendly at the Moi Stadium, Kasarani Annexe, where Stars slumped to a 2-1 defeat against a makeshift Kariobangi Sharks outfit assembled from players across the KPL.
The underwhelming display prompted McCarthy to swing the axe, releasing five players from camp, including Ulinzi Stars duo Yakeen Muteheli and Staphod Odhiambo, Shabana’s Keith Imbali, AFC Leopards midfielder Kelly Madadab and Tusker FC goalkeeper Brian Opondo.
"We had an opportunity to play a friendly match against a combination of players from across the League. Yesterday was a tough day for me. I had to do something I hate, and that is disappointing players. But we have to trim the squad down, and sometimes you have to be the bad cop,” he said.
Despite the disappointment, McCarthy wished the dropped players well and urged them to fight their way back into the national reckoning. “I hope they keep working hard. They have done well to get this far; there’s no reason they can’t earn another call-up.”
In a twist of fate, two players earned surprise promotions after catching McCarthy’s eye from the friendly. Kenya Police midfielder Marvin Nabwire and unattached goalkeeper Bryne Omondi are the latest additions to the national squad.
McCarthy noted that the duo impressed him, hence they were given the nod to join the national team. “There were a few standout performers I felt could offer us more. It’s never too late to bring them in if they can strengthen the squad,” McCarthy said.
With the final squad list due by July 23, the former Bafana Bafana star hinted at more changes, revealing he’s still keeping an open mind. “Anything can happen, including injuries and poor form, so we will keep assessing. If top players emerge between now and the time we announce the final squad, we will gladly bring them on board.”
McCarthy also lamented the double blow of losing Emmanuel Osoro and Moses Shummah, who have both signed for Zambian giants Power Dynamos, ruling them out of CHAN duty due to tournament regulations. “Osoro and Shummah were key for us, especially against Morocco. It’s a shame, but rules are rules.”
Drawn in a group he branded the 'group of death,' McCarthy knows Stars face a daunting task in a pool featuring two-time champions DR Congo and Morocco, Cosafa Cup winners Angola and continental heavyweights Zambia.
"We are in a group of death, it's an impossible group. However, it offers a fantastic challenge for us to see how far we have come," he noted.
Despite the opponent's pedigree, McCarthy believes Harambee Stars will be the tournament's dark horse. "We will be one of the surprises of the tournament."
With home advantage on their side, McCarthy backed his charges to rise to the occasion. "Players are well prepared and ready for the challenge. The fact that this tournament is at home means fans will turn up in large numbers, which will spur the team to glory."
