Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has sparked debate with his bold stance on team selection, dismissing calls to play CHAN players in high-stakes matches, stating, ‘People like you want me to take a risk and play CHAN players. Come on, man, this is international level.’ Following a 3-1 loss to The Gambia on September 5, 2025, at Kasarani Stadium, McCarthy defended his reliance on foreign-based players, arguing that the international level demands proven quality over untested local talent, despite Kenya’s impressive CHAN 2024 run.
McCarthy, appointed in March 2025, has faced pressure to integrate CHAN 2024 stars like Alphonce Omija, Lewis Bandi, and Sylvester Owino into his World Cup qualifier squads. Kenya’s CHAN campaign, which saw them reach the quarter-finals with wins over Morocco and DR Congo, showcased local talent’s potential.
However, the South African coach emphasised the gap between CHAN’s domestic focus and the international level’s intensity. The Gambia match exposed defensive frailties, with Sheriff Sinyan, Yankuba Minteh, and Musa Barrow scoring in the first 38 minutes, prompting fans to question McCarthy’s choices.
The former Manchester United assistant coach argued that CHAN players, while talented, lack the experience needed for top-tier international competition. He pointed to players like Manzur Okwaro and Byrne Omondi, who debuted against The Gambia, as examples of gradual integration.
McCarthy’s strategy focuses on building a squad capable of competing globally, especially with AFCON 2027 co-hosting looming. His comments reflect a pragmatic approach, prioritising stability over fan-driven demands to play CHAN players, whose domestic success doesn’t yet translate to the international stage.
Social media reactions have been mixed, with some fans praising McCarthy’s realism and others arguing he underestimates local talent. The coach’s experience under José Mourinho at Porto shapes his belief that international-level matches require tactical discipline and proven performers.
Kenya’s group, including Gabon and Seychelles, offers a chance to redeem the loss, but McCarthy insists that rushing CHAN players risks heavy defeats, citing potential 4-0 or 5-0 losses if untested players are fielded.
The debate over CHAN players highlights a broader tension in Kenyan football: balancing local pride with global ambitions. McCarthy’s selection criteria prioritise players like Michael Olunga, who play abroad, to elevate Harambee Stars’ competitiveness.
His approach, while controversial, aims to nurture CHAN talents for future international-level success, as seen with Ryan Ogam’s move to Wolfsberger. The upcoming Seychelles match on September 9, 2025, at Kasarani offers a chance to test this blend.
McCarthy’s insistence on international-level standards reflects his vision for a formidable Harambee Stars squad. His reluctance to play CHAN players stems from a belief that domestic stars need time to adapt to elite competition. The Gambia loss, though painful, serves as a learning curve, with McCarthy urging patience as he builds a team for AFCON 2027.
Fans remain divided, but his track record, including a UEFA Champions League title, lends weight to his strategy. As Kenya prepares for Seychelles, the focus remains on bridging the gap between CHAN and international-level performance.
McCarthy’s comments about CHAN players show the challenges of transitioning from domestic to global stages. His gradual integration of talents like Okwaro and Omondi signals a long-term plan, but the pressure to deliver results persists.
The demands at the international level, as McCarthy asserts, will shape the Harambee Stars’ path forward.
In conclusion, Benni McCarthy’s firm stance on not rushing to play CHAN players at the international level has ignited a passionate debate. His focus on proven talent for high-stakes matches reflects the realities of elite football, as seen in the Gambia defeat.
While CHAN players like Omija and Bandi have shown promise, McCarthy insists the international level requires experience and tactical maturity. As Harambee Stars eye AFCON 2027, McCarthy’s cautious approach to CHAN players aims to build a squad ready for the global stage.
