Harambee Stars goalkeeper Ian Otieno has opened up on head coach Benni McCarthy’s best attribute that has endeared him to the players.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsMcCarthy was appointed as the new Harambee Stars head coach on Monday, 3 March 2025, taking over from Francis Kimanzi, who was serving on an interim basis following the departure of Turkish tactician Engin Firat in December 2024.Gor Mahia issue update on Benson Omala’s availability for Mashemeji DerbyAfter his appointment, McCarthy took charge of his first training sessions in the week preceding the away match against The Gambia on Thursday, 20 March and had barely a week with players who ply their trade outside the borders.Speaking to the press, South Africa-based custodian Ian Otieno shared his assessment of the former South Africa striker.##NAJAVA_MECA_8805226##“He is a good coach. His man-management skills are superb. He is like a father to everyone in the national team and we give him his credit for the atmosphere that he has brought,” said Otieno.Otieno’s observations can be backed by photos and videos of the former Amazulu FC head coach interacting with his players.FKF President on why he won’t reveal Benni McCarthy’s salaryPhotos from his first day in training with the team showed McCarthy embracing his players with the mood in camp looking jovial.In another video that circulated online after Kenya’s match against Gabon, the former Manchester United forwards’ coach was seen embracing youngster Manzur Okwaro after he made his senior debut on his 19th birthday.##NAJAVA_MECA_8805329##The KCB FC defender came on to replace Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma in the 86th minute as his integration into the senior team continued.Manzur is part of the Kenya U20 team that will be competing in the CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast from Saturday, 26 April 2025, to Sunda,y 18 May 2025, and his experience with the senior team may come in handy for the Rising Stars.##NAJAVA_MECA_52085##As for McCarthy, he will be hoping to leverage the good atmosphere created in the Harambee Stars camp to steer the team to greater heights even as the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) draws nearer.
