Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy was impressed with the talent on display after taking charge of his first training session on Wednesday at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.At the recently renovated facility, McCarthy and scores of local-based players kicked off preparations for the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against The Gambia and Gabon. Stars will take on The Gambia, under the tutelage of former Gor Mahia head coach Johnathan McKinstry, on 20 March at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ivory Coast. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8773616##Kenya will host Gabon three days later at the Nyayo National Stadium, a game that will mark the return of international encounters at the facility after four years. McCarthy, who was unveiled on Monday last week at a Nairobi hotel, said he was surprised with how the players were quick in adapting to his methods and their qualities. England-based star snubs Harambee Stars for The Three Lions”It was a good experience for some of the young players we have called up. It was nice for me to know them and for them to understand how I like to work. They (the players) did very well in the first day. They adapted to what I wanted very well. I have good quality, which surprised me. It will benefit the country and the team,” said the former FC Porto man in an interview with FKF. For a coach who has not had the benefit of watching countless Football Kenya Federation Premier League matches, videos and the advice from coach Francis Kimanzi and his colleagues came in handy.The former Manchester United forward’s coach was at the stands when Gor Mahia stunned Kariobangi Sharks 3-1 on 5 March at Dandora Stadium. Dr Patrice Motsepe re-elected unopposed as CAF President for second termHe was in the company of his backroom staff and Kimanzi, who, before the arrival of the South African, was in charge on an interim basis. “I was not fortunate enough to watch a lot of matches. I did not get a wide variety of knowledge of the players. I had to rely on coach Francis and the coaches, who have been part and parcel of the team. I also watched some videos. I know it is not ideal, but considering the time I came in was not enough. I am glad I did because maybe I could have missed a hidden gem,” added McCarthy.
