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RMA
Newly appointed Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy conducted his first training session on Wednesday, March 12, as he kickstarted preparations for Kenya’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon.
on Monday, March 11, is determined to fine-tune his squad ahead of these crucial fixtures, with Kenya set to face Gambia on Thursday, March 20, and Gabon on Sunday, March 23.
Speaking after his first session, in the squad, particularly praising the young players called up for camp.
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CAF president Patrice Motsepe has set high expectations for his fellow South African Benni McCarthy who was recently appointed Harambee Stars coach.
«Yeah, no, I said it was a good experience for some of the young players that we’ve called up. And just to showcase what they have, and it was also nice for me to get to know them a little bit better and for them to get to know how I like to work,» McCarthy stated.
He acknowledged the initial nervousness in camp but was pleased with how the players adapted to his coaching style and the high intensity required at the international level.
«I thought they did very well for the first day. I mean, they acquitted themselves very well, adapted to what I wanted as well. So that was nice to see, and there’s some decent, good quality in there, which surprised me. But it’s always a benefit for the country and the team,» he added.
, with key players from Gor Mahia and Tusker FC being granted an exemption due to their respective club commitments on Friday and Saturday.
Kenya has been dealt a blow in its ambitious multi-billion Talanta stadium project earmarked for AFCON 2027 with audit revealing millions lost.
«So yeah, so the first day out, so far so good. It will just be the players that have been called up together with this lot now. So yeah, I’m expecting that I’m gonna have about 17 or 18 players because Gor Mahia and Tusker have asked the federation if we could give the players a pass since they have important matches on Friday and Saturday,» McCarthy revealed.
Despite these absences,for the upcoming matches and instill pride in Kenyan football fans.
McCarthy underscored the importance of the Gambia match on March 20, calling it their first priority in the bid for World Cup qualification.
«We’re gonna give them a team that’s hardworking, that’s fighting, that’s trying to play good football. But most importantly, we’re gonna give them a team that wants to win football matches,» he assured.
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has recalled one forgotten deender who has been out of the team since 2021.
Beyond Gambia, the Harambee Stars will then shift focus to Gabon on March 23, with McCarthy hoping to build momentum and keep
With the race for World Cup qualification still open, McCarthy and his team face a tough challenge but remain optimistic about closing the gap.
Kenya currently sits fourth in Group F with five points, trailing leaders Ivory Coast (10 points), Gabon (9 points), and Burundi (7 points).
«It’s gonna be hard work, but I think the talent and the quality that the team has speaks for itself. So it’s just a matter of time,» he concluded.
