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Kenya made a surprise decision to pull out of the CECAFA Four-Nations tournament just hours before playing Tanzania but what did not impress coach Benni McCarthy?
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has begun to stamp his authority on his team on and off the pitch as seen with Kenya’s decision to pull out of the CECAFA Four-Nations tournament.
Kenya pulled a surprise when they withdrew from the tournament on Monday, just hours before they were to play against hosts Tanzania over what was termed as a recommendation from McCarthy.
As per a statement from Football Kenya Federation (FKF), the decision was made after the South African coach deemed the conditions not suitable for his team.
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“This decision has been made following recommendations and advice from the team’s technical bench, led by Head Coach Benni McCarthy, after a thorough assessment of the prevailing conditions, which were deemed unsuitable for the team’s participation and overall preparation,” the statement read in part.
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12:00 - 21.07.2025
Harambee Stars: Why Kenya Has Pulled Out of CECAFA Tournament Hours Before Kickoff
Harambee Stars have withdrawn from the CECAFA tournament at the last minute following concerns from the technical bench, led by head coach Benni McCarthy.
Pulse Sports understands McCarthy was left unimpressed by a number of things in Karatu, Tanzania and decided to pull out his team when it was clear that his demands for an improvement would not be met.
Poor Playing Surface
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The biggest issue that changed the course of everything for the Kenyan delegation was the conditions of the pitch in which they were set to play on.
Harambee Stars were set to play at the Black Rhino Academy pitch, which is an artificial turf, in Karatu.
Its location was also a sticking point, as it is in a remote area and far from Arusha, making it hard to access, and lacks the necessary supporting infrastructure.
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10:00 - 21.07.2025
'I've Got A Bulletproof Vest On' - Benni McCarthy Vows to Shield Harambee Stars Ahead of CHAN
Benni McCarthy emphasised his fierce loyalty to Harambee Stars, declaring that anyone who attacks them 'messes with the lion.'
Below-Par Accommodation
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McCarthy was left furious by the below-par accommodation facilities his team was booked in with the standards of the hotel not meeting what he expected.
The tactician was unsettled and asked for better but when an improvement did not happen from the organisers, he opted against an extended stay in Tanzania.
Sub-Standard Training Facilities
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The Harambee Stars coach was also furious at the training ground availed to his team during the tournament which was to be used as part of their build-up to CHAN 2024.
McCarthy and his team have been training at the crisp newly-refurbished Kasarani Annex ground in Nairobi for the last one week but what was available to them in Tanzania fellow below his expectations and he found it risky to subject his players to it.
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16:39 - 20.07.2025
Inside Marvine Nabwire's Plan to Repay Harambee Stars Coach Benni McCarthy's Faith Ahead of CHAN 2024
Marvine Nabwire vows to restore faith Benni McCarthy placed in him after handing him late call-up to the Harambee Stars squad for CHAN 2024.
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