Benni McCarthy Highlights One Major Concern Ahead of Harambee Stars Friendlies Against Chad

Benni McCarthy has raised a key concern that could hinder Harambee Stars' performance ahead of their friendlies in Morocco.

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has raised a concern about one major issue that might affect the players as they gear up for their two back-to-back international friendly matches against Chad.

The matches will be played at Stade de Marrakech in Morocco, with the first match scheduled for Saturday, June 7. The two sides will meet again on Tuesday, June 10, at the same venue.

Harambee Stars have been training diligently ahead of the matches, which will be used to gauge their form ahead of the African Nations Championships (CHAN) set to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in August.

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Benni McCarthy: The Weather is Not Favourable

Ahead of their first match, Benni McCarthy noted that there is a lot of heat which might affect Harambee Stars as they take on their opponents.

He added that a few water breaks in between the matches will be very helpful, noting that without that, the players might struggle.

“It’s been very hot, I think that the time we play, the heat might be a little bit disruptive, but I’m sure that CAF will organise a little bit of water breaks in between the matches because of how hot it is,” Benni McCarthy told FKF Media.

“But other than that, facilities have been okay, nothing to complain about. When we are on the football pitch, that’s when we get comfortable, and it’s been good so far.”

He added that the matches are crucial for Harambee Stars, and he carefully selected the squad to ensure that most of the players will be playing at CHAN.

Benni McCarthy added that he selected some international players who have not had enough playing time for their sides, so they could just gauge their form ahead of upcoming assignments.

“These are two very good competitive matches for our guys to see where we are ahead of CHAN. For CHAN, our sole focus is on being ready, good and well-prepared, and to be in the final and give the home crowd something to cheer about. That’s the sole aim for us, we have a very good squad,” Benni McCarthy added.

Benni McCarthy: Life After Mohammed Bajaber’s Withdrawal

The former Manchester United attacking coach admitted that Mohammed Bajaber’s withdrawal due to an injury was a setback, but they had to bounce back as fast as possible.

He expressed relief that no other player has been forced to leave the squad due to an injury, noting that training has been effective and so far, things are looking up.

Benni McCarthy pointed out that the new players have shown great potential and he believes they will deliver in the two friendly matches and even in CHAN.

“The team has been really good, it’s been a good few days. The weather has been nice, and the facilities we got to train on have been great. We have no new injury concerns except when we lost Mohammed Bajaber,” Benni McCarthy shared.

“The team has had some really good training sessions, and I’ve seen a lot of good things from the new players that came into the team. This will be a good test for the players…It’s preparation for CHAN, and the majority of the team is local.”

Benni McCarthy also challenged the players to give their all when they step on the pitch for the matches, noting that they looked good in training and that should reflect in their matches as well.