Harambee Stars’ CHAN performance praise from local coaches

Harambee Stars' Edward Omondi consoles Alphonse Omija after exiting CHAN in quarters against Madagascar/HANDOUT 

Kenya’s progress at the 2024 Africa Nations Championship has lit up the local football scene, with leading Kenyan Premier League tacticians hailing Harambee Stars’ tactical maturity and resilience under coach Benni McCarthy. ‎

And the men who guide Kenya’s clubs, the tacticians who mould young dreams on dusty pitches and manicured turfs, are pausing, watching, and nodding. ‎Kenya has had a fairytale run throughout their maiden CHAN appearance. ‎

‎Placed in what many referred to as the "Group of death", Harambee Stars found themselves in Group A alongside two-time champions DR Congo and Morocco, as well as continental heavyweights Angola and Zambia.

‎Despite this, Stars staged an outstanding display, topping Group A with 10 points, undefeated and conceding just once. ‎ ‎Their campaign saw them secure 1-0 victories against DR Congo, Morocco and Zambia and a 1-1 stalemate against Angola. ‎

They punched their tickets to the quarterfinals, where they fell 4-3 on penalties to Madagascar, ending their historic run in the CHAN tournament. ‎ ‎

Tusker’s Charles Okere, City Stars’ Salim Babu, and Bidco’s Anthony Akhulia say the team’s performance is proof that Kenyan football is finally turning a corner. ‎The trio has witnessed storms in Kenyan football, but now they speak with one voice: there is light at the end of the tunnel. Okere’s words carried the tone of a man who has waited too long for rain on parched earth.

‎“What I am seeing in this Harambee Stars side is something refreshing. For the first time in a long time, you can see clear tactical patterns, well-organised transitions, and a group that understands its responsibilities on the pitch,” he said, his voice both analytical and awed. ‎

‎For him, McCarthy is more than a coach—he is an architect sketching out the blueprint of a new Kenya.

‎“Coach McCarthy has instilled discipline in the team and, importantly, belief that they can compete with the very best in Africa. That belief has been missing for years,” he added. ‎And then, with the clarity of a craftsman admiring the weave of a tapestry, he spoke of the team’s balance.

‎ ‎“I like the way he has trusted young players, giving them opportunities to shine alongside experienced leaders. That is the formula that can sustain us in the future. You don’t build a national team in one day, but McCarthy is laying a solid foundation.”

‎ ‎From City Stars’ corner, Babu rose with conviction. His tone was that of a man who has tasted struggle yet refuses to bow to despair. “There is no doubt this is one of the best national team projects we have seen in recent memory. The composure, the pressing, the ability to change the rhythm of the game—these are things we coaches in the league always discuss. When I look at this Harambee Stars team, I see a side that is fearless, well-prepared, and ready to fight until the last whistle,” Babu declared. ‎ ‎

And as if to underline his point, he drew attention to McCarthy’s daring rotations. ‎

“Many times, coaches are afraid to make changes because of fear of losing structure. But McCarthy has shown that rotation does not weaken the team. In fact, it strengthens it because new players come in with the hunger to prove themselves. That is a lesson for us in the FKF Premier League. We must give players opportunities, we must trust our squads. If Harambee Stars can benefit from that, so can our clubs.” ‎Babu’s words rolled like drums in the distance—steady, rhythmic, urging a march forward. ‎

‎Then came Akhulia, whose tone bore the sharp edge of truth and the warmth of hope. For him, McCarthy’s greatest gift was not just tactics or rotation, but courage.

‎“What I admire most is his courage. He is not afraid to bench a big name if the situation demands. He is not afraid to trust a young player in a big game. That courage is something we, as Kenyan coaches, must adopt,” Akhulia said. ‎ ‎

But he did not stop there. He lifted his gaze to the future, where youth across the country dared to dream. “The message this sends to our youth is powerful. If you work hard, if you are disciplined, you can get a chance in the national team even at a young age. That is how you build a football culture where everyone believes they can make it.”

‎His words became less analysis, more prophecy. The Harambee Stars, he implied, were no longer just eleven men on the pitch—they were a mirror held up to an entire generation. ‎The trio agreed: Kenya, once predictable, now wears many masks. ‎ ‎Okere said it with certainty: “In the past, we were predictable. Teams knew how to neutralise us. But now you can see flexibility. Sometimes we play possession football, other times we are compact and counter-attack. That unpredictability is what modern football demands.” ‎ ‎

Babu, ever observant, saw mental growth. “Earlier, when Harambee Stars conceded, panic would set in. Now the players remain calm, they reorganise, and they keep fighting. Mental toughness is as important as physical ability. It shows the players are well-coached and mentally prepared for big moments.” ‎ ‎

Okere, with conviction, laid it bare: “This is not just about CHAN. It is about building toward AFCON 2027, which will be on our soil. The steps we take now, the discipline we instil, and the courage we embrace will determine whether we rise or remain stagnant.” ‎ ‎Babu called for unity, his words carrying the cadence of a sermon:

“The Harambee Stars belong to all of us—coaches, players, fans, administrators. We must support this journey, because what we are seeing now is proof that with planning and trust, Kenya can dream again.” ‎ ‎

Akhulia, with pride, spoke of depth. “Rotation has also revealed the strength of our squad. Players like Austin Odhiambo, Felix Oluoch, and Brian Michira have stepped in and performed as if they have always been part of the setup.

That speaks volumes about the training environment McCarthy has created. Everyone knows they can be called upon, and everyone is ready.” Akhulia added, “It is no longer a dream too far. The national team has shown us that if we dare, if we are brave, we can stand with the giants of African football. As local coaches, we must do our part to keep that fire burning.” ‎