Mohammed Bajaber has come out in full support of Benni McCarthy, praising the Harambee Stars head coach for his authenticity and emotional intelligence. As one of the standout players under McCarthy’s reign, Bajaber shared personal insights into why the South African’s coaching style resonates so deeply with him.
According to the Kenya Police FC forward, McCarthy is not just a tactician, but also a mentor and a father figure who understands what players go through. Bajaber noted that while many fans and critics have questioned McCarthy’s nurturing personality claiming he is too soft or not confrontational enough he sees it as a strength rather than a weakness.
“He is a nice guy, and I feel like it’s not just a coaching style; that’s genuinely who he is,” Bajaber remarked. “He was a player too and maybe he’s just trying to be the kind of coach he wished he had.”
Drawing a comparison to former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, Bajaber explained that McCarthy’s warmth and ability to connect with his players help create a peaceful and motivated environment. Since working under McCarthy, Bajaber said he has felt more confident and settled, both mentally and physically.
Beyond the emotional side of coaching, Bajaber also lauded McCarthy’s technical prowess. Despite being known primarily as a finishing coach during his time at Manchester United, McCarthy has shown his all-roundedness since taking charge of Harambee Stars. From advanced drills to thorough opponent analysis, his approach has elevated the tactical understanding of many players in the squad.
“Benni shows you how to exploit the opposition, not just moments before the game, but well in advance,” Bajaber said, contrasting this with some Kenya Premier League methods, which he believes lack detailed pre-match analysis.
In his view, McCarthy represents a new generation of coaches leaders who prioritize relationships, mental well-being, and holistic development alongside winning matches. Bajaber’s admiration for the coach goes far beyond tactics. For him, McCarthy’s leadership style builds trust and encourages players to perform without fear.
As the CHAN 2024 tournament approaches, Bajaber believes that Benni McCarthy’s personality and approach could be key to uniting the team and delivering success.
