McCarthy hopeful for a good showing in World Cup qualifiers
He has rallied his charges ahead of the March 20 fixture against Gambia away in West Africa with the hopes of making a mark
New Harambee Stars Head Coach Bennedict “Benni” McCarthy is promising to bring a new football identity to the national team with all his focus targeted on the two upcoming World Cup Qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon.
The 47-year-old ex-Bafana Bafana striker took part Wednesday in his first training session at Ulinzi Complex a day after a provisional team of 48 players was selected for duty.
Standing alongside him was former national team tactician Francis Kimanzi who has been incorporated into the technical bench for the dual assignments that run in March and April as the Stars look to get out of the doldrums and fight for qualification with Group F currently being led by reigning African champions Ivory Coast.
“I am just getting to know players and, you know, show them what I like and also adapt to what I want. From what I have observed, there is quality just a bit of tweaking needed and so for me and my technical bench, we will ensure we work hard to get them ready. We just need a bit more time together to understand them individually and their strengths. There is a big benefit to know what you are dealing with and so this is crucial.”
“I did not have the chance to watch many games or gain extensive knowledge about the players. I had to rely on coach Francis (Kimanzi) and the coaching staff who have been integral to the team. I also reviewed some videos. While it is not the ideal situation, given the limited time I had, I am grateful I did, as I might have overlooked a hidden talent,” offered McCarthy whose previous gigs include coaching Amazulu FC, Cape Town City FC and Manchester United FC.
McCarthy has rallied his charges ahead of the March 20 fixture against Gambia away in West Africa with the hopes of making a mark. He will be coming face to face with former Gor Mahia FC two-time league-winning tactician Jonathan McKinstry who is now handling The Scorpions. McKinstry has previously handled Rwanda’s Amavubi and Uganda Cranes and after two back to back losses, the fifth placed team will be keen to get a win on their back.
“We will work extra hard to get the team ready, that is the plan. Right now it is Gambia in sight and our focus is to do well in that game. It will not be easy but it can be done so the team has to be prepared. Afterwards we think of Gabon and the plans to execute our strategy. We will take one match at a time with the view to making leaps on the table. Group stages can be tricky,” said the Ex-Porto and Orlando Pirates striker who has also revealed that he might pick 18 players for the immediate task at hand.
