Benni McCarthy’s youthful vision breathing new life into Kenyan football

Rising Stars’ head coach Salim Babu says McCarthy has taken a keen interest in this U20 team and has already selected two players from this team to play in the Harambee Stars’ squad. 

Babu says McCarthy is transforming the team.

"He's really transforming the team, as you can see, he already took two of our guys to the senior team.

"McCarthy is really transforming the national set-up because he really believes in working with the youth. That is very good for the nation, and for this project that we are having here," said Babu.

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Part of McCarthy’s mandate in Kenya is to have a strong and competitive Harambee Stars national team in 2027, when the country jointly hosts the senior AFCON tournament with Tanzania and Uganda. 

"When McCarthy signed, I believe that he's focusing on the 2027 AFCON, and I believe, with him at the helm, most of the young players will be there," expressed Babu.

Despite starting the tournament with a 3-2 loss against Group B favourites Morocco yesterday, Kenya stole some attention with their impressive display.  

Babu says reaching the last four and qualifying for the World Cup would be very special for his team and their project.

Babu’s team will fancy their chances of bouncing back against Tunisia and Nigeria in their final two matches in Group B. 

He feels that they need to tighten up their defence to be in a position to win a game in this tournament.