Benni McCarthy Clarifies Move to Lure Foreign-Born Players to Harambee Stars Ahead of AFCON 2027

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy says the decision to include foreign-born players in his plans for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations comes from the fact that they are eager to play for Kenya.

McCarthy recently joined a Kenyan delegation, which was led by Football Kenya Federation vice president McDonald Mariga, in Europe to talk to a number of players born abroad but eligible to play for Harambee Stars in a bid to form a strong team for AFCON 2027.

Some of them have been included in the upcoming FIFA Series such as Zech Obiero and Zak Vyner, although the latter will not make it to the tournament as he sorts out his paperwork.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News

McCarthy says it was not a move decided to beg the players to play for Kenya but rather an engagement on what they can expect and what they bring as they were already willing to turn out for his team.

“We have a lot to look forward to, a lot of players that we want to see that are very eager and I think for me that is important,” McCarthy told the media on Monday.

“Not begging players to come and play like it is a free world, they have got a Kenyan mother or father so they are eligible to play for Kenya because they have a parent that was born in this country so they are very much Kenyan like every single one of you whether they are born in another country.

“But with your father or mother Kenyan, how does that not make you Kenyan? So the fact that they want to come to play for Kenya, that is important instead of us forcing ourselves on players, begging them, I would never beg anyone.”

The South African coach is hopeful that the players will give their all towards AFCON 2027 as they will be keen to impress after getting the opportunities.

“The fact they are eager and optimistic is what you want,” he added. “That is how you will get the best of players because they want to play for Kenya. I am looking to build towards 2027 so it is exciting times.”

McCarthy will have a chance to look at some of his new players during the FIFA Series in Kigali, Rwanda on Friday.