Harambee Stars Defender Explains How Benni McCarthy Is Turning Him Into A ‘Beast’

Benni McCarthy shares a word with teenage defender Manzur Okwaro following Harambee Stars' clash against Gabon. (Credit: Telecomasia.net)

Harambee Stars Defender Explains How Benni McCarthy Is Turning Him Into A ‘Beast’

Joel Omotto 12:00 - 14.04.2025

Harambee Stars youngster Manzur Okwaro has opened up about the impact coach Benni McCarthy is having on his career despite working together for just a short time.

Kenyan defender Manzur Okwaro is among the team heading to the U20 Africa Cup of Nations but he is going there with some valuable experience from the senior team.

Okwaro had a life-changing moment when he was handed his Harambee Stars debut by coach Benni McCarthy during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in March.

The 19-year-old was a surprise inclusion in the squad for the two matches away to The Gambia and at home to Gabon and came in as a late substitute against the Panthers.

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That moment was something the KCB defender had not imagined would come so soon.

“That was the biggest day of my life,” Okwaro told Telecomasia.net, regarding his Harambee Stars debut.

“It was a moment that I will cherish forever and I won’t forget. Making my senior team debut was always on my ambition list but I didn’t know it would come early. I was excited for that moment and it inspired me a lot.

“Stepping onto the pitch to play for the senior team has given me a lot of motivation and a push to keep working hard.”

Okwaro says his encounter with McCarthy did not just leave a lasting experience on him but the South African tactician has been, and still is, a great help to his career, as he has been offering him tactical advice that he believes will turn him into a great player.

"The coach has really helped me grow and improve. He gives me lots of advice, he tells me how to play, position myself and how to be better,” added Okwaro, who has forged a good relationship with the former Manchester United first-team coach.

“Having someone like that guide you, someone who has played and coached in the biggest stages is a dream for any footballer and I am looking forward to learning more and making bigger steps in my career.”

Okwaro is currently with the Kenya U20 team in camp as they prepare for the AFCON tournament set to be played in Egypt from April 27-May 18 and will hope his spell in the senior team will be vital in their quest for continental glory.

Salim Babu’s team were drawn in a tough Group B that has Nigeria, Morocco and Tunisia.