Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has shed light on his squad selection strategy ahead of Kenya’s upcoming international friendlies against Chad in Morocco this June.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More NewsSpeaking to FKF Media, McCarthy said the two matches, set to act as part of Kenya’s preparation for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), serve multiple purposes: building match fitness, assessing foreign-based talent, and laying the groundwork for a competitive squad ahead of AFCON 2027, which Kenya is set to co-host.“Everyone looks very enthusiastic and in good spirits, so I hope we’re going to have a good week,” said McCarthy. “These two friendly matches are mainly to help players build some match fitness and get us going as we prepare for CHAN.”##NAJAVA_MECA_8957684##Among the fresh faces in the squad is Adam Wilson, the forward currently on loan at The New Saints (TNS) from Bradford City.Wilson, a product of the Newcastle United academy, missed the last round of national team duty but has earned a call-up after an impressive club season.“Adam Wilson is someone I didn’t have the luxury of seeing previously,” McCarthy explained. “But he’s been doing absolutely brilliantly for his club, and this is a good opportunity for me to see how he performs with the national team.”Wilson has netted nine goals in 26 league appearances and featured in the UEFA Europa Conference League, a form that McCarthy believes justifies his inclusion.Gor Mahia official reveals how club lost revenue during Mashemeji Derby in Homa Bay“His experience abroad can be valuable not only for CHAN but also as we build toward a strong AFCON 2027 squad,” he added.McCarthy also addressed the inclusion of other internationals who have struggled for minutes at club level, such as Timothy Ouma, Brian Mandela, and Wilson Lenkupae, the latter of whom scored on his international debut in March.“Will Wilson, for example, was crucial in our two World Cup qualifiers, but he hasn’t played much club football since then. This camp gives him a chance to stay sharp,” said McCarthy.Mandela, who plays for Stellenbosch FC in South Africa, has also seen limited game time, but McCarthy is keen to harvest his leadership qualities.“He hasn’t played a lot either. But his presence is vital, he can marshal the younger players and guide them with his experience.”CECAFA Women’s Championship returns after three-year hiatus, set for June in TanzaniaNotably absent from the squad are several standout players from the Kenya U20 team that recently concluded international duty.The Bafana Bafana’s all-time top scorer explained that their omission was intentional.Day 1, getting ready for the upcoming task!#HarambeeStars pic.twitter.com/GKGdfbg9PZ— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) June 2, 2025 “The U20s just got back from a three-week camp and a tough tournament where they played three hard matches. As young as they are, they also need a break,” he said.##NAJAVA_MECA_54404##While the South African tactician remains committed to youth development, he stressed the importance of managing player workloads.“Yes, I want to give young players opportunities. But they also need rest. At the same time, I want to evaluate this current group and see what they can bring to the national team setup.”
