Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy/HANDOUTHarambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has outlined an ambitious blueprint for Kenyan football, declaring that his mission is to build a team capable of competing with Africa’s elite at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The South African tactician spoke candidly about the future of the national team following Kenya’s recent double-header against Lesotho. The two-match series exposed both the growing pains and potential of a squad undergoing significant transformation under his leadership.
Having watched his side settle for a frustrating 1-1 draw in the first match before responding with a commanding 4-0 victory in the second, McCarthy believes the contrasting performances perfectly illustrated where the Harambee Stars currently stand in their development.
His long-term focus, however, extends far beyond individual friendly matches. “I am building a team for AFCON 2027. That is the objective, and that is why we are working so hard to identify the right players, create the right culture and put together a squad that can make Kenyans proud when the tournament comes,” McCarthy said.
The coach has spent much of his tenure evaluating local talent while simultaneously widening the search for eligible Kenyan players based abroad. The strategy is designed to strengthen competition for places and improve the overall quality of the national team. McCarthy believes Kenya cannot afford to limit itself if it hopes to challenge the continent's strongest nations.
“We want to build a proper national team. We want to bring in the best players available to us, whether they are playing locally or abroad, because when you come up against the top countries in Africa, you need quality, depth and competition in every position,” he said.
The former Manchester United first-team coach has repeatedly insisted that Kenya must start thinking bigger if it is to close the gap on continental heavyweights. According to McCarthy, merely qualifying for major tournaments should no longer be the ultimate target.
“We want to compete against the likes of Senegal, Morocco and Egypt and the best teams on the continent. If you are hosting AFCON, you cannot go into the tournament just hoping to participate. You must go there believing you can challenge and make an impact,” he said.
Those expectations appeared far away after Kenya's opening draw against Lesotho, a match in which the coach openly questioned his side's intensity and game management. The result left him visibly disappointed despite several players making their international debuts.
“A lot of our players still think they are playing in the Kenyan league. This is international football. The intensity is different, the demands are different, and the concentration levels have to be much higher. If you switch off for even a moment, you get punished,” McCarthy said after the match.
Despite his frustration, the coach defended the young squad and argued that mistakes were inevitable given the number of new faces introduced during the camp. He maintained that the experience would ultimately help accelerate the team's growth.
“I think the team needed a match to get going because obviously we had so many new players coming into the team for the first time. International football is different, and sometimes players need to experience it before they fully understand what is required,” he said.
The response in the return match was emphatic. Kenya played with greater purpose, attacked with confidence and produced a dominant performance that delivered McCarthy's biggest victory since taking charge.
The coach viewed the result as proof that his methods are beginning to take root. “We asked for a reaction and the players delivered. They showed energy, desire, discipline and quality. That is the standard we want to set because if we are serious about competing at AFCON, then performances like this must become normal for us,” he said.
Beyond immediate results, McCarthy says one of his biggest ambitions is to leave behind a national team capable of succeeding long after his departure. Much of his planning has therefore centred on developing younger players who can form the core of the squad for years to come.
“We are trying to build something that will last. It is not just about what happens while I am here. It is about making sure Kenya has a strong team, a strong identity and a strong future long after my contract has ended,” he said. While committed to the Harambee Stars project, McCarthy has also acknowledged that he misses the daily routine and intensity of club football.
The former Champions League winner admits international football presents unique challenges because coaches spend long periods away from their players. “International football does not offer the day-to-day involvement I prefer. As a coach, you want to be on the training ground every day, working with players, improving them and seeing progress every single week. That is something I miss,” he said.
For now, however, McCarthy insists all his energy remains focused on ensuring Kenya is ready for its biggest football moment in decades. “My priority is Kenya and making sure we are ready for AFCON 2027. Everything we are doing now is aimed at giving this country a team that can compete, excite supporters and leave a legacy that everyone can be proud of,” he said.
