5 Harambee Stars Players Who May Lose Their Spot Under Benni McCarthy's Reign

As Benni McCarthy continues shaping his Harambee Stars squad with a new vision and tactical philosophy, certain long-serving players may find their international futures hanging in the balance. 

The South African tactician has shown a preference for youthful, dynamic profiles—especially those fitting into his attacking blueprint and high-pressing system.

With CHAN 2024 fast approaching and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) also set to be hosted on home soil,  McCarthy appears set to make bold decisions. 

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Some established names might soon be edged out in favor of fresh, energetic talents eager to leave their mark on the national team.

Here are five Harambee Stars players who may struggle to retain their place under the new regime:

Eric Johana Omondi is a player that has recently found himself in and out of Harambee Stars squads especially since Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee’s takeover, having previously been a regular under Stanley Okumu and Sebastian Migne.

The midfielder, who is capable of playing as a left winger or even in the number 10 role, was called up last March in what was Benni McCarthy’s first international window in charge of the side, and was given the nod to start against Gambia, but struggled to impact the game before the South African called upon a certain Mohammed Bajaber to impact the game at 2-0 down.

As fate would have it, Bajaber ended up winning the penalty for the first goal before netting an audacious curled shot into the back of the net, cementing himself as an overnight sensation and a national hero.

Given Omondi’s advancing years, as well as the emergence of talents like Bajaber, the Romania-based midfielder might fall further and further down the pecking order under McCarthy.

The midfielder has been an ever-present figure of the side since Engin Firat’s full takeover of the side in March 2023, forging a partnership with Richard Odada.

While his experience has been invaluable to the side, as well as his tactical intelligence, Benni McCarthy could be on the lookout for a permanent replacement to fill his shoes. The potential return of Victor Wanyama to the side after four years in the cold could also alienate him even further.

The midfielder is also without a club since leaving Iranian outfit Kheybar Khorramabad, who released him after failing to feature in nine consecutive matches.

His advancing years also do not help his cause, and it is quite possible that he might not make the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations squad.

CHAN 2024 might also be the perfect opportunity for McCarthy to discover a permanent replacement, and there is also the promise of players like Kevin Wangaya and Andres Odhiambo, who helped Kenya participate at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in history.

Amos Nondi has also been a key member of the Harambee Stars set up particularly since 2023 both as a right back and central midfielder, with his passing range a thing of value.

However, his influence might be limited by Ronney Onyango’s deployment as right back while fit. Alphonce Omija, Daniel Sakari, Lewis Bandi and Daniel Anyembe are other players capable of filling that void very easily.

There is also going to be an increasing level of competition for the midfield berths given the crop of players emerging and being given a chance as well, which means Nondi’s services might be rendered untenable.

Brian Mandela is another that was brought back from the cold after a year of not playing for Harambee Stars.

Despite his experience and leadership, injuries have decimated his career, and his gametime both at Sundowns and then Stellenbosch FC has been sporadic over the last five years plying his trade in South Africa.

Against Gambia in March, his lack of pace was badly exposed, with McCarthy insisting his side needed to push higher up the pitch to try and take the game to the opposition, which left Harambee Stars vulnerable on the counter attack, as witnessed in Brighton Star Yankubah Minteh’s goal to make it 2-0 up during that match.

Besides, the national team is also well stocked at center back, with several defenders itching for their opportunity to show what they can do.

Kenneth Muguna has yet to even earn a call up under Benni McCarthy since he took over - not even for the CHAN 2024 squads, which just about says it all about what the tactician thinks of the 2016 FKF Premier League Most Valuable Player award winner.

Muguna is at his best playing a box-to-box role but Firat would use him as the most advanced midfielder on some occasions which did not get out the best in him while it denied Harambee Stars creativity.

With many other options in central midfield, Muguna has a fight on his hands to keep his place, while McCarthy, who wants to play attacking football, will look to get specialist No.10s to add creativity in the side which means increased competition.

As McCarthy looks to build a younger, more aggressive and tactically versatile Harambee Stars side, players who were once mainstays may find themselves overtaken by newer, faster, and more adaptable talent. 

While experience still counts for something, fitness, consistency, and ability to fit into a high-octane pressing style appear to be the new selection criteria.