- Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy hails Kenyans’ passion for football.
- Kenyans turned out on Sunday at Kasarani Stadium to witness Harambee Stars’ 1-0 victory over DR Congo in the CHAN 2024 Group A opener.
- Fans also attended the second match between Morocco and Angola at Nyayo Stadium.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has lavished Kenyans with effusive praise, remarking that their passion for football is extraordinary.
The South African tactician’s remarks come just three days after a packed Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, witnessed Kenya’s 1-0 win over DR Congo in their opening match of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon ahead of Kenya’s second match against Angola on Thursday, McCarthy expressed admiration for the country’s unwavering football enthusiasm.
“The boldness and the love for football in this country is crazy. Not just because of CHAN, but everywhere- in the streets and everywhere you go. Even before, they used to love football.”
The attendance at the first two games shows Kenya has done a massive job at Kasarani and Nyayo. It really shows where the fans are in terms of support and giving back.”
McCarthy explains how infrastructure and new leadership are shaping the national team
McCarthy highlighted how improved infrastructure and the presence of a solid technical team have inspired the players to elevate their performance.
“The players here needed the right infrastructure and the right people in charge to steer the country in the right direction so that everyone can follow. While the players they are the ones who will benefit from it.
Because if they see the love and the passion, how do you think they will disappoint? When you see a country so excited about a football match, you will always give your best on the field.”
He further pointed out the stark contrast between playing for a local club and representing the national team, emphasizing the need for continual growth and focus.
We are aiming to do our very best every single day to become better at what we do. Because when you play for your local team and now the national team, the atmosphere is really different.
So, you focus on consistency and improving every day so that Kenyan football can grow. And when I leave, I will have left the country moving in the right direction, achieving its goals.”
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McCarthy’s plan to make Harambee Stars AFCON 2027 contenders
The former Manchester United first-team coach underlined his broader mission to make Kenya a formidable footballing nation and a strong contender in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya is set to co-host.
You see, we have talented players in the camp they are very young and when you see how passionate they are about their dreams, it’s something to be happy about. And it’s just the beginning of many good things to come.”
Now we’re doing well on the field, and hopefully, by the time AFCON 2027 comes, Kenya will be even better prepared with new stadiums like Talanta. Giving the players such facilities will help them flourish. Hopefully, when that time comes, they will be among the best teams. That is my ambition and vision.”
CHAN 2024 – Harambee Stars fixtures (All matches at Kasarani Stadium)
Results
Kenya 1-0 DR Congo – Sunday, August 3 | 3:00 PM
Upcoming fixtures
- 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
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