Former Harambee Stars forward Paul “Modo” Kiongera has come out in support of Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy following criticism surrounding the latest national team call-ups ahead of Kenya’s June international friendlies.
McCarthy recently named his squad for the upcoming matches against Kyrgyzstan and Palestine, but the selection has sparked debate among local fans and football pundits, with several in-form players missing out.
Among the notable absentees is Murang’a SEAL striker Joe Waithira, who currently leads the SportPesa League scoring charts with 17 goals this season.
Also overlooked was Power Dynamos forward Moses Shumah, who finished as the top scorer in the Zambia Super League and played a key role in guiding the club to the league title.
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Former Harambee Stars forward Paul Kiongera backs Benni McCarthy
Shabana FC goalkeeper Stephen Ochieng’ was another omission that raised eyebrows after an impressive campaign in which he registered 16 clean sheets with two matches still left before the end of the season.
However, Kiongera believes the final decision on who makes the national team rests solely with the coach.
“I want to address the issue about call-ups. Some people are complaining about who should be called and who should not be called, but the issue of call-ups in the national team is the coach’s job,” said Kiongera.
“He is the one who knows the players he wants, the ones he needs and those who fit into his playing style.”
The former Gor Mahia and Afc Leopards striker noted that debates surrounding national team selections are common across the football world and should not overshadow the bigger picture.
“The issue of call-ups is everywhere. Even in our own national team we have had it for many years, regardless of who the coach is,” he added.
“We have always heard claims that a coach has selected his friends or left out players who deserved to be included. But the only thing we can hold the coach accountable for is results.”
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Kiongera further urged fans to allow McCarthy time to implement his ideas as Kenya prepares for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
“A coach can call up anyone he wants, but in the end he must give us good results. In the AFCON qualifying group we have a chance, so what matters most is how the team performs,” he said.
He also explained that squad selection often goes beyond current club form.
“There are many factors involved. A player may not be featuring regularly for his club, but the coach may feel he can still deliver what the team needs. There is also loyalty in football, and every coach has players he trusts.”
Kenya will face Kyrgyzstan on June 3 before taking on Palestine on June 6 as part of preparations for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, where Harambee Stars have been drawn in Group D alongside Eritrea, Guinea and South Africa.