FIFA Series: How Benni McCarthy scored big in man-management despite mounting criticism of his Harambee Stars selection
By Luke Oluoch, March 28, 2026Harambee Stars may have suffered a heartbreaking penalty loss to Estonia, but the match highlighted the tactical and interpersonal growth within, inspired by coach Benni McCarthy.
Coming off a difficult clash against Senegal, the coach signalled fielding a largely foreign-based team, especially amid the ongoing scouting of players of Kenyan descent eligible for the national team.
However, in a move that ensured local-based stars didn’t feel ignored, McCarthy fielded a balanced side, with Abud Omar leading the team out as captain.
Despite his post-match comments that publicly criticised the performance against Senegal, McCarthy’s man-management acumen was plain to see in how he employed his charges.
Omar and Frank Odhiambo were the local players he entrusted with starting berths, showing he still has faith in local talent despite his previous remarks.
Common course
For a player, fighting for a place is one thing, but being reminded of how that chance came about is another. For a coach like McCarthy, whose own playing career concluded not too long ago, this masterstroke of man-management remains a key tactic and one that could come to prove critical.
Knowing how vital getting players behind him is crucial when facing Africa’s best in near assignments and high-stakes continental clashes such as the upcoming AFCON on home soil; the tactician is on course to impressing his philosophy and belief needed to get a team on a common course.
In yet another telling instance, McCarthy, despite facing another defeat, he defended his players. a massive confidence booster for the likes of Mohammed Bajaber and Richard Odada, who might have otherwise left the tie ruing their individual inputs.
Tiff with Austine
Furthermore, he continued the trend of handing out opportunities to the crop of players he chose to trust despite ongoing concerns and doubts.
McCarthy’s public criticism of Austine Odhiambo is still fresh, but if the “Rolls Royce” masterclass against Estonia is any indication, Odhiambo has proved that losing a battle with a teacher often leads to winning the war.
For stars such as Ben Stanley, Bajaber, and Ryan Ogam, all of whom joined the national team setup following challenging spells, this show of trust is something they will be desperate to repay.
Normally, such trust instills a lasting sense of belief. When the tide turns, these gestures could be critical to the coach’s long-term vision and the team’s dreams.
Bajaber, Lawrence Ouma, Ben Stanley, and Mansur Okwaro are just a few whose memorable national team debuts have come under the South African’s tenure. This group, Kenya’s next batch of stars, is expected to play a pivotal role in the AFCON 2027 campaign, which appears to be the tactician’s main focus.
With veterans like Michael Olunga and the national team’s old guard approaching the twilight of their careers, the picture of who could carry the baton next appears to be forming.
Indeed, McCarthy’s ability to get the players behind him and foster a “team-first” mentality could prove crucial as Kenya heads into future tournaments as a unit willing to fight for the coach and the nation’s pride.