Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy says he will set his emotions aside when Kenya face his home country in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The Harambee Stars vs South Africa first leg is on Friday at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg.
McCarthy is South Africa’s all-time leading goalscorer and a national football legend. Even so, he insists his loyalty now belongs strictly to Kenya.
McCarthy: “The emotions died the day I hanged up my boots”
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, McCarthy said his playing days are now only memories.
“The emotions died the day I hanged up my boots, so now it’s just memories for me. It was good memories, it was a good time. I’m not expecting people to applaud or cheer or whatever because what happened in the past happened in the past.
“Now I’m going to be facing their team, their players, and I’m on the opposite dugout. So, I’m not expecting, you know, anybody in the stadium tomorrow to cheer for me or for my team because we’re going to be looking to beat their team,” he said.
Kenya’s AFCON place is secure, but players must earn theirs
Kenya qualify automatically for the tournament as co-hosts with Tanzania and Uganda.
