Inside Benni McCarthy’s plan to rebuild Harambee Stars in his image following Gambia, Gabon escapades

Benni McCarthy shares a word with teenage defender Manzur Suleiman Okwaro (L) following Harambee Stars' clash against Gabon

Inside Benni McCarthy’s plan to rebuild Harambee Stars in his image following Gambia, Gabon escapades

Mark Kinyanjui 19:34 - 26.03.2025

Benni McCarthy has outlined the strategy he intends to apply in order to rebuild Harambee Stars in his own image long term.

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has outlined his strategy for gradually integrating young players into the national team setup while maintaining a balance with the experienced squad members.

Benni McCarthy’s tenure began with a mix of promise and frustration in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. 

Kenya staged a thrilling comeback to salvage a 3-3 draw against Gambia, with captain Michael Olunga opening the scoring, before youthful debutants Mohammed Bajaber and William Lenkupae scored the second and third goals respectively.

The team showed resilience, fighting back after conceding three goals, a sign of the attacking intent McCarthy is keen to instill. However, defensive lapses proved costly, highlighting the work needed to tighten up at the back.

His second match ended in disappointment as Kenya fell 2-1 to Gabon, with Olunga once again on the scoresheet.

 Despite a spirited performance, the team was undone by a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang brace, exposing gaps in Kenya’s defensive organization. McCarthy, however, remained optimistic, emphasising that with more time and training, the squad would improve. 

He backed Olunga despite missed chances, stressing the need for patience as he works to build a team capable of competing at the highest level.

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Speaking to the media after the match, McCarthy revealed his plan to rebuild the squad in his own image, expressing a desire to evaluate players first-hand himself by keeping track of the local league.

“There’s a lot of potential and quality young players in this country,” McCarthy said. 

“I’m going to be around to visit teams, watch players train with their clubs, and have the opportunity to invite them to mini camps. That way, I can assess them myself.”

He cited Mohamed Bajah as a prime example of a promising talent who impressed within just three days.

 “I saw something in him, called him up, and told myself that if you put him alongside experienced players, he will improve—and he has,” McCarthy noted.

The South African tactician explained  that while integrating youth is a priority, it must be done gradually.

 “People have to understand that when it’s a new team, you can’t just get rid of the players who have been there. You have to work with them, see how good you can make them, and when it doesn’t work, you integrate the young players to take over.”

McCarthy also highlighted Will Wilson’s rapid rise, drawing parallels to Bajah. “Wilson came in from Australia, no one knew about him, and I saw him play once. Now, he’s part of the team.”

Despite the challenges of managing a transition, McCarthy remains optimistic.

 “What I can promise is that we will improve, we will get better, and the fans will have a team they can be very proud of. It’s a process, and we’re working on it. We still have hope for the World Cup.”

McCarthy’s approach signals a long-term vision for Harambee Stars, ensuring a smooth transition that blends youth with experience to build a competitive team for the future.