Farouk Shikhalo details why Kenya are very lucky to have Benni McCarthy

Kenya national team goalkeeper Farouk Shikhalo has explained why he feels Football Kenya Federation (FKF) made the right decision to hire the services of Benni McCarthy for Harambee Stars.

The South African arrived in Kenya to take over the vacant role following the sacking of Turkish tactician Engin Firat. He came at a time when Kenya were already struggling in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

McCarthy led Kenya in the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament co-hosted in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Harambee Stars made history as they reached the knockout stages unbeaten and topping their group before losing to Madagascar on penalties. Kenya’s group included previous winners Morocco, and DR Congo.

‘McCarthy is a big brother, like a father’

In a recent interview, Shikhalo said the presence of the former Manchester United assistant coach in the Harambee Stars had helped build a strong bond between the players, hence the results that Kenyans are seeing.

“He is the best coach I have worked with. There’s no other great thing like having a coach who is a big brother, like a father, one who guides you,” said Shikhalo as quoted by Pulse Sports.

“Despite him being the manager, he has given us the environment to share anything, and he has managed to stand with us throughout our circumstances. That is the kind of coach we have now, a coach you can lean on.

“He has seen it, he has done it and has been there, and with all the experience he has gathered, he is guiding us well. I’m learning a lot from him.”

During the African World Cup qualifiers, McCarthy led Kenya to finish in fourth place with 12 points, in a competitive Group F that featured Ivory Coast, The Gambia, Gabon, Burundi, and Seychelles.

Harambee Stars wrapped up their qualification campaign with a record of three wins, three draws, and four defeats, scoring 18 goals and conceding 14.

The biggest goal contributions were from captain Michael Olunga with six goals and two assists in total.