Bafana Bafana's all-time top scorer Benni McCarthy opens up about plans for the Kenyan national team – 'We have to build a strong Harambee Stars side'

Two games into his tenure as Kenya’s national team coach, Benni McCarthy has managed a draw and a loss in the Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon.

The former South African international has now outlined a clear plan to make Harambee Stars more competitive. With Kenya out of World Cup qualification, McCarthy aims to scout local talent by attending domestic matches.

Due to his quick appointment before the international break, he had limited time to assess players beforehand.

Now, he plans to hold small training camps to build chemistry and understand his squad better.

Speaking to the media, he emphasized the importance of preparation ahead of their next fixtures.

McCarthy believes with proper planning, Kenya can become a formidable force in African football.

"I haven’t watched many local games because I came in and immediately had to focus on the World Cup qualifiers. I had to rely a lot on the coaches who are there. But now, we have time between now and August. I will move around the country to try and see as many players as possible," McCarthy told CAF online as reported by Soccer Laduma.

"I am also hoping that we can organise small camps in between with some selected players so that we get to build a team early enough," McCarthy added.

"We have to put up a very strong Harambee Stars side because we are hosting this tournament, and we can’t be there just to participate," he said. "We have to work to get out of the group stages and into the knockout rounds, and that means we need to get a very strong team."

This is McCarthy’s first role as a national team head coach, and he sees it as an opportunity to prove himself on the international stage. His long-term goal is to transform Kenya into a strong team that competes for continental trophies.

Football in Kenya has great potential, with the nation producing top talents such as Victor Wanyama and Michael Olunga, who have excelled abroad. With the right structures in place, Harambee Stars could become a force in East African football. McCarthy’s focus on scouting, development, and tactical improvements could lay the foundation for future success.

In the next international break, Kenya will be hosting the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August. McCarthy will be eager to build a strong squad and get positive results in the tournament. This will also give him a chance to assess local-based players ahead of future qualifiers.