Anthony Akumu explains why Kenya’s rivals should be very afraid of Benni McCarthy

Benni McCarthy instructs his Harambee Stars players during Kenya vs Gabon match at Nyayo Stadium. Photo/FKF Media

Anthony Akumu explains why Kenya’s rivals should be very afraid of Benni McCarthy

Joel Omotto 20:00 - 04.04.2025

Harambee Stars midfielder Anthony has given reasons why Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy will soon surprise many after what he has seen from the South African legend.

Kenyan midfielder Anthony ‘Teddy Akumu’ has made a bold prediction about Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy.

The South African legend started his stint as Kenya national team coach in March 2025 and oversaw two 2026 World Cup qualifiers against The Gambia and Gabon, coming from behind twice to force a 3-3 draw with the Scorpions, before a 2-1 loss at home to the Panthers.

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Despite the poor start, Kenyans were impressed by the forward-thinking approach of the former Manchester United first-team coach as his team played on the front foot in both matches unlike under his predecessor Engin Firat, when Harambee Stars were too defensive.

That was just after a handful of training sessions, given he was with the team for less than a week before his first match, and one of his players saw enough to believe Harambee Stars will soon be a force to be reckoned with, if the ex-Cape Town City and AmaZulu tactician puts his imprint on the team.

“I really enjoyed playing under McCarthy in the last two games in the World Cup qualifiers,” Akumu told Telecomasia.net.

“He is a great coach and really knows what he is doing. We played like that [attractive football] after just three sessions. Just imagine the change we will see when we train longer?

“I believe he will succeed with the national team because he has already shown what he can do.”

While Kenya’s World Cup qualification hopes are all but over following the draw and loss, which leaves them on six points from as many matches, while Ivory Coast and Gabon have 16 and 15 points respectively, McCarthy has a chance to impress during the 2024 African Nations Championships.

Kenya will co-host the delayed CHAN 2024 tournament with neighbours Uganda and Tanzania and even though they are in a tough Group A that has Morocco, Angola, DR Congo and Zambia, there is pressure on McCarthy and his team to deliver on home soil.