Benni McCarthy, the head coach of the Harambee Stars, has received widespread praise for his impact on the Kenyan U-20 team, known as the Rising Stars, following his appointment. McCarthy, who has made a notable name for himself in African football, is credited with breathing new life into the team, even though his tenure has been relatively short. His work with the Rising Stars has been described as transformational, with many highlighting his focus on integrating young, promising talents into the national setup.
Under McCarthy’s guidance, the Kenyan U-20 team has shown significant improvement, even as they prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt. Despite a narrow 3-2 loss in their opening match against Morocco on May 1, the Rising Stars caught the attention of fans and pundits alike with their spirited performance. McCarthy’s influence extends beyond just match results; he has worked closely with the youth players, attending training sessions and ensuring that the players are well-prepared for the high-stakes tournament.
Salim Babu, a coach involved with the team, has praised McCarthy’s approach, emphasizing how the South African coach’s focus on youth development is transforming the team. Babu highlighted McCarthy’s efforts to bring through young players into the senior national team, citing the inclusion of two U-20 players into the senior squad as a testament to McCarthy’s belief in the potential of the nation’s youth. McCarthy’s dedication to working with younger players is seen as a significant positive for Kenyan football, particularly as the country looks to the future and the upcoming challenges that lie ahead.
McCarthy’s involvement with the team is seen as part of a larger project to build a competitive team for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The coach’s long-term vision for the team is evident, with many in Kenyan football believing that his work will lay the foundation for future success. Babu, in particular, has expressed confidence that McCarthy is the right man to lead the team toward this goal, noting that the coach’s focus on youth development is exactly what is needed for Kenya to be competitive on the continental stage.
The Rising Stars’ loss to Morocco, while disappointing, should not overshadow the progress that has been made under McCarthy’s guidance. The team’s performance in the opening match demonstrated their potential, and there is optimism about their chances in the remaining group matches against Tunisia and Nigeria. Despite the loss, there is a sense that the team is improving and learning from each match. Babu has set his sights on reaching the semifinals of the competition, which would secure a spot in the U-20 World Cup, a significant achievement for the Kenyan team.
As McCarthy continues to work with the U-20 team, his efforts to tighten the defense and improve the overall team play are expected to pay off. The coach’s tactical approach, combined with his emphasis on youth development, has provided hope that the future of Kenyan football is bright. With McCarthy at the helm, many believe that the country’s national teams, both senior and junior, are on the path to becoming more competitive, particularly as they aim for success in the 2027 AFCON and beyond. The focus on youth could be the key to unlocking Kenya’s full potential in African football.
