Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has expressed admiration for a trait he finds unique in Kenyan footballers — their boldness to venture beyond local borders, a quality he feels sets them apart from South African players.The former South Africa international and UEFA Champions League winner recently took the reins of the Kenyan national team in his first international coaching assignment.The 47-year-old’s tenure runs through to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.##NAJAVA_MECA_8842578##Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsHe oversaw Kenya’s March international fixtures in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where the team earned a dramatic 3-3 draw against The Gambia in Abidjan before suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat to Gabon at home.Now back in the country, McCarthy has been attending local matches as he builds a squad for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN), which is also being co-hosted by the three East African nations in August.Nairobi United coach reveals FKF Premier League promotion strategySpeaking during a Monday night interview on NTV, McCarthy was asked about the talent pool in South Africa. His response was candid and critical.”South African players are incredibly talented — they have what it takes. But many are content playing at home for clubs like Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, and Kaizer Chiefs. They’re in a comfort zone and don’t push themselves to test their abilities abroad,” he said. “To be the best, you must compete against the best.”AFC Leopards vice captain issues public apology after loss to Kakamega HomeboyzIn contrast, McCarthy praised Kenyan players for their willingness to challenge themselves on the international stage.“What I’ve seen in Kenya is inspiring. So many players are heading to Europe, unafraid to leave their comfort zones. How can I not be excited to lead a group of players with such ambition and drive?” he added.While having quality homegrown players has helped in improving the South African league, making it one of the best in the continent, McCarthy noted that their players cannot get to the top and compete with the best despite having the potential to do so.##NAJAVA_MECA_8842349##“For me, it is undervaluing yourself because in order to be the best, you have to play against the best. You have to test yourself against the best team and players in the world, whom you are not going to find in South Africa.Yes, our league is strong, but for me, the ambition is to play against Bruno Fernandes. I want to play against Mbappe (Kylian) in the Champions League and you are not going to get that in South Africa,” he explained.Former Gor Mahia coach explains why West African players are more successful than Kenyan counterpartsMcCarthy’s words seem to contradict former Gor Mahia head coach Johnathan McKinstry who noted that Kenyan players are comfortable with playing in their domestic league.”I’ve seen the same in Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda but it is different in West African countries like Sierra Leone and Ghana. The difference is that in West Africa, players have a relentless desire to make it. By the age of 15, they’re not dreaming of playing in the Ghanaian or Sierra Leonean leagues—they’re aiming for Europe.Top clubs like Gor Mahia, Bandari, and Police offer relatively good salaries—sometimes even better than what some West African leagues pay. This makes players comfortable, and as a result, many choose to stay in the local league for their entire careers,” he explained.Patrick Matasi handed reprieve by High Court in alleged match-fixing scandal
