Benni McCarthy: How Manzur Okwaro Can Help Harambee Stars Win CHAN 2024

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has praised Manzur Suleiman Okwaro as he explained his decision to play the youngster in the midfield rather than in his usual spot, defending.

Manzur Okwaro primarily plays as a centre back, but going into Harambee Stars’ African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) opening match, against DR Congo, Benni McCarthy made a few changes and placed the youngster in the midfield.

His decision paid off well, as Harambee Stars secured a 1-0 victory against the two-time champions, playing at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

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Benni McCarthy said that DR Congo were seasoned campaigners who understood what it took to win. He explained that after analysing several of their games, he noticed they lacked much build-up play through the midfield.

He observed that they often go directly from the goalkeeper to the fullbacks and then to the big number nine, playing off him.

As a result, he felt it was necessary to select fresh, young, and energetic players (Manzur Okwaro) to strengthen the midfield.

“We needed that, you know, and we've got a lot of luxury players, excellent on the ball, but when it comes to defending, some of them forget the defensive side of the game. I figured Manzur was very versatile,” Benni McCarthy told reporters after the match.

“Everyone says he's a centre back. I think he's an incredible left back, but I also think he's an outstanding number eight, number six holding midfield. So, I took a gamble and lucky for me and the team, it paid off.”

The former Manchester United attacking coach further noted that Manzur Okwaro is one of those young exceptional players who are always striving for the best.

He was confident that placing him in the midfield would make an impact, and true to his word, Manzur Owaro was dominant.

“But I know when you have a player who's young, who's fearless, who just wants to play, and wherever you put him, he wants to do the best that he can for the team,” Benni McCarthy revealed.

“So, you knew, a great performance from someone like that is around the corner. So, this was the game. So, he did that, he made them change the way they wanted to play, and then they started attacking us from the wide areas, which we could deal with because we know we've got enough numbers in there.”

Benni McCarthy added that with about 10 minutes remaining, he had to decide whether to take a risk or play tournament football by adding an extra centre-back and two central midfielders to control the game more effectively.

“Then you control the game a little bit more, and then you bring in a pair of fresh legs, Muchiri and Ben Stanley, to hope that they can put the game to bed, which they should have,” Benni McCarthy added.

Harambee Stars will face Angola in their next match scheduled for Thursday, August 7, hoping to extend their winning streak and hopefully make it out of the Group stage.