Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has come out swinging at critics of his provisional squad for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN), insisting his selections are grounded in his vast experience and a keen eye for talent.
The former Manchester United assistant coach named his provisional squad for Chan on July 2, prompting widespread debate over the omission of several high-profile players from the 2024/25 FKF Premier League season.
Among those overlooked are Shabana’s midfield maestro Brian Michira, Kenya Police’s Marvin Nabwire and Brian Okoth. Others were AFC Leopards' shot-stopper Levis Opiyo and Tusker FC’s standout Chris Erambo.
However, McCarthy made it clear that he won’t be dictated to by public sentiment. "You can't please everybody, and I am not here to please people. I am here to bring success to the country," McCarthy stated.
The tactician maintained that every name on his list was chosen after thorough scrutiny by the technical bench. "The players we have selected are those we’ve monitored closely, and as a technical team, we believe they can take us forward," he added. On the exclusion of fan favourites, the former Bafana Bafana striker remained defiant. "So, do you risk taking someone based on a couple of good games?" McCarthy posed.
"Our selection was based on players we have monitored and seen their qualities as well as the advantages they can give the team in matches."
McCarthy underlined that his coaching journey, which includes stints at Manchester United and in South African top-flight football, gives him the pedigree to make the tough calls.
"We know everyone is not going to be happy with how the team is selected, but everyone has not been where I have been.
"I have an eye and know talent when I see one, and the players we have picked were by far the players the technical bench and I think can take the team to glory," he stated.
McCarthy relayed his intent to not just compete at the Chan Cup but go all the way and win the tournament. "We are not going to just participate in Chan Cup, we are here to make a statement and hopefully go as far as winning the tournament."
"The boys we have here are the ones with the potential to steer the team to glory," McCarthy noted. The Harambee Stars have been drawn in Group A alongside DR Congo, Morocco, Angola and Zambia. Stars will kick off their campaign on August 3 at the Moi Stadium, Kasarani, against Congo at 3 pm. As part of their preparations, Kenya will feature in the Cecafa Four Nations Cup set for July 24–27 in Tanzania. McCarthy believes the tournament will give the team insights on the areas of improvement before the Chan.
"It will give the players a good indication of the levels we are at and what we can still build on before the Chan," he said.
FULL SQUAD:
Goalkeepers: Faruk Shikhalo (Bandari), Sebastian Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks), Brian Opondo (Tusker FC); Defenders: Siraj Mohammed (Bandari FC), Manzur Suleiman (KCB), Pamba Swaleh (Bandari FC), Abud Omar (Kenya Police), Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Michael Kibwage (Tusker), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police), Lewis Bandi (AFC Leopards), Kevin Okumu (KCB); Midfielders: Brian Musa( Kenya Police), Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards), Keith Imbali (Shabana), Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Mathias Isogoli (KCB), Staphod Odhiambo (Ulinzi Stars), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Ben Stanley (Gor Mahia); Forwards: Mohammed Bajaber (Kenya Police), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), David Sakwa (Bandari), Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta), Yakeen Muteheli (Ulinzi Stars), Edward Omondi (Sofapaka), Ryan Ogam (Tusker), Moses Shummah (Kakamega Homeboyz) and Beja Nyamawi (Bandari).
