Kenya coach Benni McCarthy has assured that his team, Harambee Stars, will not receive any favours when they face Pitso Mosimane's Bafana Bafana in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. McCarthy expressed his delight for Mosimane's appointment as Bafana Bafana head coach but warned that sentiment will not play a role in their upcoming encounters. The two South African tactical minds will lock horns in November for their back-to-back qualifiers.
McCarthy had been noticeably absent from publicly sending well wishes to Mosimane following his appointment. However, he clarified that his initial silence was not a sign of animosity, but rather a reflection of his own experiences when he was appointed as the Kenyan national team coach. McCarthy stated that he did not receive congratulatory messages at the time and therefore did not feel obligated to extend his own.
Despite their differing circumstances, McCarthy insisted that there is mutual respect between himself and Mosimane. He pointed out that their relationship, which spans from their playing days to their current coaching careers, is built on a foundation of respect. McCarthy added that when the two teams meet, he and Mosimane will likely exchange congratulations for their respective work.
Mosimane's appointment as Bafana Bafana head coach has generated significant excitement in the South African football community. His return to the helm 14 years after his dismissal is expected to elevate the team to new heights, building on the solid foundation laid by Hugo Broos. The 62-year-old Mosimane will face higher stakes in the qualification campaign, as Bafana Bafana must navigate the qualification route on merit.
In contrast, Kenya has already secured automatic qualification for the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts alongside Tanzania and Uganda in the Pamoja region. McCarthy emphasized that his focus remains entirely on his employers, stating that his loyalty lies with the team that believed in him and appointed him as their coach.
McCarthy's comments suggest that Harambee Stars will not take their foot off the gas in the upcoming qualifiers against Eritrea and Guinea. He maintained that his primary concern is the team's performance and progress, rather than showing favour to his fellow South African, Pitso Mosimane. The two teams are expected to engage in a fierce contest when they meet in November.
The upcoming encounters between Harambee Stars and Bafana Bafana will be closely watched, given the high stakes and the mutual respect between the two coaches. McCarthy's assurance that his team will not receive any favours has set the tone for an intense and competitive series of matches.
Key points
- Benni McCarthy promises no favours for Pitso Mosimane's Bafana Bafana in 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
- McCarthy and Mosimane share a mutual respect despite their differing circumstances.
- Kenya has already secured automatic qualification for the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts.
