Benni McCarthy reveals CHAN will be massive and good test for Kenya

Kenya national team head coach Benni McCarthy has discussed what TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) will offer his side, who will be making their debut campaign in the tournament.

Harambee Stars has been drawn into a challenging Group A that includes former champions DR Congo and Morocco, as well as Zambia and Angola, and they will open their campaign against DR Congo on August 3.

In a recent interview with CAFOnline.com, the South African legend was asked about Kenya’s group; “Whoever drew these balls…. Mariga (Macdonald) killed us.. (laughs). But, honestly, it’s a great challenge. When you play football and then convert to become a coach, you always have that saying that to win anything you’ve got to beat the best.

“For you to get to what you want, to be the best, the difficult teams will always be in your path and you have to beat them anyway. We have a great opportunity with two-time champions in the DRC and Morocco, Angola which is also very well respected as well as a tough nation in Zambia who have always been there in Africa football.

“And now, we have a Kenya who wants to have a taste of the top. This is our time and the squad we have gathered is hungry and wants success. How better than starting this in your own backyard. We play our matches on our home ground in front of the home fans and this is a perfect opportunity to do exceptionally well and eliminate teams that could probably get to the final early.

“This will be a massive challenge and a good test for the boys as well. We will be ready and come CHAN, I can very confidently state that we will be a team fearful of no one.”

McCarthy added: “I have watched lots of them in the league and I know that we have picked quality. I have also had the chance to for a few training camps after I arrived here and I got first-hand experience to work with some of these players and judge them by myself.

“I see them and what levels they are at and what I think we can get them to be. They have a mentality, mindset, work ethic and talent to get the work done. I know their abilities and I know what they can do. Now it is just a matter of implementing it on the pitch on matchday.”

The Harambee Stars will have the opportunity to showcase their locally based players in front of home fans, offering a unique chance to connect the national team to the grassroots and domestic leagues that shape them.