- Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has defended his provisional squad for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024).
- McCarthy has already named a 30-man squad made up of players from local clubs for the continental tournament, which Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania this August.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has fired back at critics, standing by his provisional squad as the team prepares for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) scheduled for August.
A week ago, the South African tactician unveiled a 30-man squad in preparation for the continental tournament,which Kenya is set to co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania from August 2 to August 30, 2025.
Given that the competition is exclusively for players featuring in domestic leagues, McCarthy’s selection faced scrutiny, with some Kenyan fans expressing dissatisfaction.
Critics pointed out the omission of standout performers from the recently concluded 2024/25 Kenya Premier League season, sparking widespread debate.
However, responding to the backlash, the former Manchester United first-team coach remained resolute, asserting that his priority is success rather than public approval.
You can’t please everyone. I’m not here to please people. I’m here to bring success to this country. The players we have selected are the ones we have observed and the players I have had in camp,” McCarthy stated on Thursday, July 10, during the CHAN press briefing at Stadion Hotel, Kasarani.
“It’s just unfortunate that when you are going to play in World Cup qualifiers, international players are available, so you can’t select everyone.
Right now, it’s based on the local camp and these are the players you have seen, and you have seen their quality and where they can take the team.
You risk picking someone based on a couple of good games or knowing what you are going to have when you have seen players and that is how we select them.”
ALSO READ: McCarthy names provisional squad for CHAN 2024 campaign this August
McCarthy stands firm on squad selection
With a renowned playing career at elite clubs like Ajax and FC Porto, the 47-year-old highlighted his profound experience in identifying talent, standing firm on his preliminary squad as the best-equipped to shine in the tournament.
We know not everyone is going to be happy with the team that has been selected, but not everyone has been where I have been.
I have an eye for talent, and I know it when I see it. The players we’ve selected both myself and the technical team, are the ones we believe can take this team forward.
We are not just going to participate in CHAN, we are going to make a statement. We are here to go as far as possible in the tournament, and the boys you see here are the team I believe will take us to where we should be.”
ALSO READ: Kasarani Stadium gets CAF’s official nod to host CHAN 2024
The squad is expected to report to camp on Tuesday, July 10, ahead of their participation in the CECAFA Four-Nation Tournament, scheduled for July 24–27, 2025, at Karatu Stadium in Arusha, Tanzania.
The tournament will serve as a vital preparatory platform for CHAN 2024.
Kenya finds itself in a challenging Group A, facing continental giants DR Congo, Angola, Morocco, and Zambia.
Harambee Stars will kick off their campaign against DR Congo on August 3 at Kasarani Stadium.
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Harambee Stars CHAN 2024 Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers
Farouk Shikhalo, Sebastian Wekesa, Brian Opondo
Defenders
Siraj Mohammed, Manzur Suleiman, Pamba Swaleh, Abud Omar, Alphonse Omija, Sylvester Owino, Michael Kibwage, Daniel Sakari, Lewis Bandi, Kevin Okumu
Midfielders
Brian Musa, Kelly Madada, Keith Imbali, Alpha Onyango, Mathias Isogoli, Staphod Odhiambo, Austine Odhiambo, Ben Stanley
Forwards
Mohammed Bajaber, Boniface Muchiri, David Sakwa, Emmanuel Osoro, Yakeen Muteheli, Edward Omondi, Ryan Ogam, Moses Shummah, Beja Nyamawi
Kenya’s CHAN 2024 Group A Fixtures (All matches at Kasarani Stadium)
- Kenya vs DR Congo – Sunday, August 3 – 3:00 PM
- Angola vs Kenya – Thursday, August 7 – 7:00 PM
- Kenya vs Morocco – Sunday, August 10 – 3:00 PM
- Zambia vs Kenya – Sunday, August 17 – 3:00 PM