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Here is everything you need to know about the tactical approach new Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy is mostly to deploy.
As the excitement of Benni McCarthy's appointment as Harambee Stars coach continues to dominate headlines, the 47-year-old finds himself in national team management for the first time in his illustrious career.
Upon signing a two-year contract on Monday that will see him lead Harambee Stars to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations - a tournament that will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, all eyes will be keen to see how McCarthy will set up his team to play.
McCarthy, 47, replaces interim coach Francis Kimanzi, who has been in charge since Turkish gaffer Engin Firat stepped down at the end of last year.
Pulse Sports brings you the tactical analysis and what to expect from Benni McCarthy and his Harambee Stars team.
Benni McCarthy: A look into his coaching philosophy, tactical approach ahead of Harambee Stars WC qualifiers
1. Attacking style
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McCarthy wants to play an attacking style of football that involves having good players on the ball. Attacking involves passing, shooting, dribbling, and creating spaces. McCarthy needs to have dribbling wingers who use their footwork to manuever the ball past defenders. The South African has to develop fast organized attacks by using quick, vertical passes to exploit gaps and imbalances within the opposition's defensive structure.
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2. Structured game plans
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McCarthy wants to create structured game plans that maximize the team's strengths and neutralize the opponents' threats. Kenya is known for defensive solidity but McCarthy must strike a balance in such away that the team is good on transition and utilize captain Michael Olunga's prowess infront of goal.
Kenya has thrived for so long on counter attacking football but McCarthy, who won the Champions League with FC Porto as a player, under the pragmatic coach Jose Mourinho, will also have to maximise on Kenya's set-piece excellence.
3. Positional awareness
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McCarthy wants to focus on positional awareness and high-intensity football. It involves understanding when the team is in possession and off possession. Defenders and defensive midfielders are heavily involved in this role because their duties involve anticipation on tackles and interceptions; sometimes even making last-ditch tackles. Highly-rated Harambee Stars defender Joseph Okumu will be the pointman in defense and will have to organize the defense to avoid concentration lapses.
4. Player development
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McCarthy wants to work with development coaches to promote young players into the first team. He has promised to watch the FKF Premier League matches as part of his scouting strategy. Pulse Sports previously reported that he won't hesitate handing call-ups and playing time to talented prodigys who prove up to the task of donning the Harambee Stars colours.
So many youngstars have impressed so far this season locally, and with everything to play for, perhaps McCarthy could be the fresh breathe the juniors have been itching for.
5. In-game adjustments
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McCarthy wants to make in-game adjustments based on his analysis of the opponents. It is high time Harambee Stars need to have an identical playing structure like the 4-2-3-1 formation.
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McCarthy will also need to have a plan B incase things don't work out as planned. Kenya might as well utilize the 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 expansive style of football. Harambee Stars ought to get out of their wintery cacoon
Kenyan football is set for exciting times but first McCarthy must give Kenyans a glimpse of what to expect starting with the 2026 World Cup qualifier matches against The Gambia and Gabon this month.
Harambee Stars play The Gambia on March 17 away before hosting Gabon a few days later at the Nyayo Stadium.
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