Benni McCarthy: How CHAN 2024 Will Elevate FKF Premier League

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has expressed optimism over the future of the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL), citing the ongoing infrastructure improvements tied to the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) as a major turning point for local football.

Kenya is set to co-host the August-long tournament with Uganda and Tanzania, an arrangement that has led to significant renovations at Nyayo Stadium and Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, two of the country’s largest football venues.

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McCarthy acknowledged that while the stadium closures disrupted local fixtures and limited his ability to scout players in person, the long-term benefits far outweigh the short-term inconveniences.

“We have tried to put in a balance from across the leagues. Of course, we didn’t have an ideal situation especially towards the end of the season with several venue closures because of the CHAN preparations, and this limited the number of local matches we watched,” McCarthy told CAF Online.

“But those I watched, plus the number of local training camps we had, already gave me a picture of who to use.”

Key local fixtures, including the iconic Mashemeji Derby between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, were severely affected by the renovations.

The match faced multiple postponements and, for the first time in over a decade, the second leg was played outside Nairobi at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay Despite these setbacks, McCarthy remains optimistic.

“The Kenyan league is growing and we are yet to see the best of it,” he said.

“There is more space for growth and improvement, but I am really impressed with the quality and competition in the league.”

The former Bafana Bafana striker believes that once the refurbished stadiums reopen, they will not only offer better experiences for fans and players alike but also help attract more attention to local talent.

With CHAN 2024 around the corner and Kenya’s co-hosting responsibilities driving renewed investment in the sport, McCarthy is confident that the improvements will lead to a more competitive national team and a more visible and respected league.

The temporary hardships, he argues, are part of a necessary transformation.

As the country gears up for CHAN, all eyes will be on how the upgraded facilities and increased visibility will contribute to the elevation of Kenyan football.