Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy is under scrutiny after releasing his squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Madagascar and Comoros, with fans and former players questioning his decision to once again exclude AFC Leopards players.
The friendlies, set to be played in Antalya, Turkey, during the November FIFA window, will see Kenya face off against two competitive African opponents. However, the focus has shifted from the fixtures themselves to McCarthy’s selection choices, which have reignited debate over fairness in the national team setup.
Despite AFC Leopards being one of Kenya’s most historic and popular clubs, not a single player from the team made it into the Turkey-bound squad. In stark contrast, rivals Gor Mahia contributed five players — goalkeeper Byrne Omondi, defenders Sylvester Owino and Michael Kibwage, and midfielders Alpha Onyango and Austin Odhiambo. Other domestic sides, including Tusker FC, Kenya Police FC, and newcomers Nairobi United, were also represented.
This omission has sparked sharp criticism from club legend Reginald Asibwa, who expressed concern about the repeated snubbing of Leopards players in national team call-ups. Asibwa questioned the criteria being used to select players, arguing that talent from AFC Leopards deserves equal consideration.
He further noted a worrying pattern where players seem to receive national team recognition only after leaving AFC Leopards for other clubs, suggesting a possible bias that could demoralize talented local players.
Asibwa urged those involved in the selection process to ensure fairness and transparency, warning that perceived favoritism undermines the credibility of the national team. “If our football is progressing or regressing as a country, that should apply across the board,” he emphasized.
McCarthy’s squad also made headlines for the absence of striker Michael Olunga, one of Kenya’s most dependable goal scorers. In his place, the coach called up several overseas-based attackers, including Jonah Ayunga, Aldrine Kibet, and Ryan Ogam.
As Kenya prepares for its friendlies, fans hope the team can deliver strong performances that restore confidence ahead of upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Yet, until the perceived selection bias is addressed, the controversy surrounding McCarthy’s choices is likely to persist.
