Rising Stars Coach Tips Manzur Okwaro for Key Role Under Benni McCarthy in CHAN Squad

Benni McCarthy shares a word with teenage defender Manzur Okwaro following Harambee Stars' clash against Gabon. (Credit: Telecomasia.net)

Rising Stars Coach Tips Manzur Okwaro for Key Role Under Benni McCarthy in CHAN Squad

Abigael Wafula 17:00 - 08.05.2025

Rising Stars coach Anthony Akhulia believes Manzur Okwaro has shown qualities that could make him an important asset for Benni McCarthy’s plans.

Rising Stars assistant coach Anthony Akhulia has explained why Manzur Okwaro will be a very important player for Benni McCarthy as he selects the squad for the team to represent Kenya at the African Nations Championship in August.

Manzur Okwaro has enjoyed a great 2025, getting his first Harambee Stars call-up for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. In the match against Gambia, where Harambee Stars drew 3-3, Manzur Okwaro was benched.

He then got a chance to showcase his skills in the match against Gabon at the Nyayo National Stadium, where Harambee Stars lost 2-1.

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The Kenya Commercial Bank defender was also named in the Rising Stars squad for the Under-20 AFCON in Egypt. Kenya lost 3-2 in their opening match against before going down 3-1 against Tunisia.

Their final group stage match, which also saw them bow out of the tournament, was against Nigeria, where they drew 2-2. Anthony Akhulia praised the youngster, revealing that he has greatly improved in his style of play.

Akhulia added that in their two matches, against Tunisia and Nigeria, Manzur displayed his true colours, and he was indeed impressed.

He pointed out that having gained a lot of experience from the AFCON tourney, Manzur will be a great player for Benni McCarthy’s Harambee Stars ahead of CHAN.

“Manzur has grown so well in the tournament, he started as a center back and after the first match, we realised that we were really struggling in our defending parts and we had to switch him to the left back position,” Akhulia said.

“He did well…in the last match and this one he has done tremendously well, I think he has really grown in the tournament.

“About him or any other player being part of the senior team, maybe CHAN or CECAFA, I think that will be a part of the plans of our head coach. He is one of the players already in the senior team and his growth is great for the senior team.”

Anthony Akhulia believes Manzur Okwaro's steady development and adaptability during the U20 AFCON have positioned him as a strong asset for Kenya's senior team.

He believes that the youngster’s experience will likely play a crucial role in the upcoming CHAN tournament under Benni McCarthy.

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