CHAN 2024: Former Harambee Stars Coach on Why Benni McCarthy is the Game-Changer Kenya Needs

Former Harambee Stars coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee has given Benni McCarthy his flowers as Harambee Stars continue making a mark in the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024).

Harambee Stars have been on a roll in their CHAN 2024 debut, kicking it off with a victory over two-time champions DR Congo before drawing 1-1 against Angola.

Harambee Stars clinched a 1-0 win over two-time champions Morocco in their third group stage match. Both that game and their clash with Angola saw red cards, with Marvin Nabwire sent off against Angola and Chrispine Erambo against Morocco.

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However, despite the red cards, Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee strongly believes Benni McCarthy is what Harambee Stars needed.

Commenting on the two red cards, the former Tusker FC coach revealed that he was impressed by how Benni McCarthy handled the situations.

The former Manchester United coach made tactical changes that saw Harambee Stars hold on until the final whistle.

Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee observed that Benni McCarthy understands the players very well and is always ready for any situation once the game begins.

The former Harambee Stars coach added that watching the players train, he could see that Benni McCarthy was preparing for any outcome in the match, adding that he has elevated the level of football in the country.

“Those reds were unfortunate…however, with Benni, the way I saw it, the first red card, he reorganised the team in terms of tactics. He brought in Kibwage in the second half and played a 5-3-1 formation. Against Morocco, in the first half, he played 4-4-1, so it changes,” Jacob ‘Ghist’ Mulee said in an interview with Citizen TV.

“But, when I watched Harambee Stars training session, Benni knows such a scenario would come in, and when you look at the way he changed the formation, it was very difficult to crack that, and it’s about tactics.

“When you don’t have a coach who believes in players and tactics, then you’ll run into big trouble. I would say that the man who has really made us to be where we are is Benni.”

As Harambee Stars prepare for their final group stage clash with Zambia on Sunday, Benni McCarthy will aim to deploy his tactical prowess to guide Kenya to another win.