Benni McCarthy: How Chad Friendlies Will Help Harambee Stars Build for CHAN

Benni McCarthy on how Chad friendlies will help Harambee Stars build for CHAN

Benni McCarthy: How Chad Friendlies Will Help Harambee Stars Build for CHAN

Abigael Wafula 13:00 - 30.05.2025

Benni McCarthy sees the upcoming Chad friendlies as a key step in preparing Harambee Stars for what lies ahead.

Harambee Stars are set to play in two international friendly matches against Chad, scheduled for June 7 and June 10, 2025, in Morocco.

Benni McCarthy named a formidable provisional squad ahead of the friendlies, and he has since explained why the competition will be helpful for the players.

Benni McCarthy revealed that the players are always outside of the country for international duty, with some representing their respective clubs at a local level, and they never get enough time to build team chemistry.

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The Bafana Bafana all-time top scorer added that the match will also provide a platform for the players to gauge themselves in readiness for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

“The friendlies will not only provide a platform for individual players to shine but will also facilitate the development of team chemistry, a crucial ingredient for success in high-stakes matches,” Benni McCarthy said as quoted by the Star.

Benni McCarthy: We Want to Succeed

Benni McCarthy
Harambee Stars coach and Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy (Credit: FKF Media)

Benni McCarthy added that with Kenya co-hosting CHAN, there will be a lot of pressure for Harambee Stars to deliver.

CHAN will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania from August 2-30, and Benni McCarthy has shared the main goal ahead of the event.

Benni McCarthy added that he wants to create a winning culture among the players, as he looks to give fans an unforgettable experience.

“Harambee Stars have often grappled with unfulfilled potential, and my leadership heralds a new chapter, one rooted in ambition and a desire to elevate Kenyan football to unprecedented heights,” McCarthy said.

“We want to demonstrate our abilities and present a positive image of ourselves at the 2024 CHAN tournament in Kenya.

“Instead of failing, we want to succeed. We want to advance to the semifinals and possibly the championship game. I think it is possible with enough effort.”

Benni McCarthy: Kenya Will Succeed if the National Team is Fixed

Benni McCarthy
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy.

The former Manchester United attacking coach added that there is a lot that needs to be fixed but with him in the lead, things are about to change.

Benni McCarthy added that the players are passionate and they always want to show up and represent the country but a few challenges have slowed that down but he will be out to change the narrative.

“I want to make Kenya the greatest team in East Africa’s history. Kenya will succeed if the national team is fixed,” Benni McCarthy said.

“It is the passion on people’s faces that, in my opinion, demonstrates how much they love their nation. The national team has not yet met the expectations of the supporters.

“My vision isn’t just about winning; it’s about igniting a flame, rekindling the love affair between Kenyans and their team.”

As Harambee Stars prepare for the friendly match against Chad, Benni McCarthy has detailed what he needs to do to turn around the squad ahead of CHAN and the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

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