'I've Got A Bulletproof Vest On' - Benni McCarthy Vows to Shield Harambee Stars Ahead of CHAN

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

'I've Got A Bulletproof Vest On' - Benni McCarthy Vows to Shield Harambee Stars Ahead of CHAN

Abigael Wafula 10:00 - 21.07.2025

Benni McCarthy emphasised his fierce loyalty to Harambee Stars, declaring that anyone who attacks them 'messes with the lion.'

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has warned against attacking his players and those around him, adding that there is no big deal if they do it to him.

Benni McCarthy affirmed that without a doubt, he will always stand up for those around him, particularly his players, when necessary, noting that not everyone is built to handle pressure the same way.

McCarthy, renowned for his passionate nature since his playing days, has never shied away from confrontation, even from the sidelines.

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Many of his emotional outbursts, he revealed, stem not from personal frustration but from a deep sense of loyalty to his players and support staff.

Benni McCarthy: If You Mess with My Players, Then You Mess with the Lion

Harambee Stars
Benni McCarthy in training with his Harambee Stars players. Benni McCarthy in training with his Harambee Stars players.

In an interview with iDiski Times editor Rob Delport, Benni McCarthy insisted that he is open to criticism himself and does not mind being targeted.

However, Benni McCarthy revealed that his loyalty and protective instinct cannot let him stay silent when his players or staff are under attack.

“I know what I can do, so I know whatever I’m going through in life, I have my way of dealing with that, and I’m okay with that,” Benni McCarthy said.

“But someone else might not be as fortunate as I. Somebody else might probably deal with emotions, or deal with stress, or deal with heartbreak completely differently.”

Benni McCarthy explained that he takes issue when others pick on his players or staff, because he understands that not everyone handles challenges in the same way.

The former Manchester United attacking coach pointed out that certain criticism can completely break someone who may not have the strength to endure it.

“So that’s why, when it comes to it – if you mess with my players, my people, then you mess with the lion, and yeah, and then I really go in. But if it’s me, then I’m okay,” Benni McCarthy added.

“I’ve got a bulletproof vest on, so you can shoot as much as you want. It’s going to hurt, but it won’t get through.”

His warning comes just before Harambee Stars begin their CECAFA Four Nations tournament and the African Nations Championship campaigns.