Veteran coach and FIFA instructor Bob Oyugi has called on Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy to integrate experienced local tacticians into his technical bench ahead of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More NewsSpeaking in an interview with Nation Sport, the former Gor Mahia coach lauded the direction taken by McCarthy and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) in preparing for the tournament but said that homegrown coaching expertise should not be overlooked.##NAJAVA_MECA_9006610##He singled out Kakamega Homeboyz’s Francis Baraza and Nairobi United’s Nicholas Muyoti as two coaches who have demonstrated consistent tactical proficiency in the FKF Premier League and could offer valuable insight to the national setup.“This CHAN is okay, but the advisers of McCarthy should include Francis Baraza and Nicholas Muyoti because they have performed well in the league. They are open and free,” said Oyugi.Drawing from past success, Oyugi referenced the era of Reinhard Fabisch, the late national team head coach, who famously appointed Bob Ogolla and Twahir Muhiddin as his assistants.That locally supported structure, he noted, contributed to some of Kenya’s most memorable victories against top-ranked teams.FKF proposes return of 16-team KPL in a raft of league structure changesAccording to the former defender, building trust and synergy within the technical team is essential if Kenya is to not only make a mark at CHAN but also lay a lasting foundation for long-term national team growth.Oyugi, one of Kenya’s most respected football minds, also welcomed the inclusion of younger players in McCarthy’s provisional squad for the August tournament.School Games: Musingu, Kakamega High penalised in scandal over player ineligibilityHe said the blend of youth and experience presents a positive step in building a strong core for the future.“The squad is complemented with both senior and young players, and most of the players included have shown on merit they deserve. What I’m sure of is that we can have a strong first 11 from this team because many of them are performers,” he told Nation Sports.##NAJAVA_MECA_9007105##He stressed that most of the players earned their spots through performance in the local league, which should serve as encouragement for others competing domestically.Oyugi believes CHAN could act as a springboard for young talents to attract attention locally and abroad, noting that the experience, exposure, and confidence gained from such a high-profile tournament will benefit the national team in the long run.
