'I Don't Want to Let Him Down' - Manzur Okwaro Opens Up On Special Bond With Benni McCarthy

Manzur Okwaro has opened up about the special relationship he shares with Benni McCarthy as he looks to make an impact in the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024).

The 20-year-old was one of the most-impressive players during Harambee Stars' opening match against DR Congo on Sunday, August 3, at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Manzur Okwaro dominated the midfield, despite being known primarily as a defender, as Harambee Stars claimed a 1-0 win over the two-time CHAN champions.

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Now, he wants to continue with his impressive form, with one of his main goals being to impress Benni McCarthy, who has a strong belief in his style of play.

Following a standout performance at the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt this May, Manzur Okwaro took a bold step up to the senior team and is now making waves at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024.

Primarily a left centre-back who sometimes plays left-back for Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) FC, Okwaro found himself deployed in an unfamiliar defensive midfield role.

Manzur Okwaro confessed he was initially surprised by the positional change but welcomed the challenge with a positive attitude.

“At first, I was a bit shocked, but this is football. Getting time on the pitch is the most important thing. I was jittery at the start, but as the game progressed, I settled in really well,” he told CAFOnline.com.

Manzur Okwaro added that it has been a steady rise and that he is trusting the process. He added that with every game, he is growing and becoming better.

The U-20 AFCON, he explained, has played a crucial role by giving him his first taste of international football and teaching him valuable lessons.

“The trust coach McCarthy has in me pushes me to work harder. I don’t want to let him down. It’s a positive push,” Okwaro said.

“CHAN is a massive opportunity, not just to showcase my talent to Africa and the world, but also to improve and compete at the highest level.

“My aim is to help the team win and make it to the final on home soil, while putting myself high up the visibility chain.”

On his part, Benni McCarthy revealed that he had initially considered playing Okwaro at left-back based on what he observed during their friendlies.

He explained that after analysing Manzur Okwaro’s attributes, he felt the player was an ideal fit for midfield, praising his youth, energy, and bravery as key to disrupting DR Congo’s game plan.

The gamble paid off, as Manzur Okwaro’s relentless work rate and sharp anticipation helped neutralise Congolese threats and solidify his coach’s confidence in the decision.

“DR Congo wanted to build around their big No.9. I needed someone strong, quick, and clever to break that supply chain. Manzur did exactly that,” the coach added.

“He’s physically strong, very good technically, and plays with such fearlessness. That’s the kind of bravery we needed.”

Manzur Okwaro’s ascent has been rapid. He progressed from the football roots of St. Anthony’s Boys Kitale, had a stint at Rainbow FC, and eventually earned his breakthrough at KCB, where he seamlessly slotted into the first team following the U-20 AFCON.