Nairobi — Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has denied claims of external influence in the selection of Kenya’s squad for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN). Speaking at Nyayo Stadium on Wednesday, McCarthy insisted he remains in full control of team decisions.
“There’s been talk that players were called up without my knowledge. That’s completely false,” McCarthy told reporters. “I’ve been fully involved in every decision. No player joins camp without my approval.”
The South African coach was responding to online reports suggesting that three forwards John Mark Makwata (Bandari FC), Clinton Kinanga (Kenya Police), and Kevin Etemesi (Posta Rangers) were added to the squad then dropped after one training session. McCarthy flatly rejected those accounts.
McCarthy confirmed that only one player, Felix Oluoch of Bandari, was added to the final squad. Oluoch earned his spot after a standout performance in a friendly match, where he played for the Karibangi Sharks Combined XI against the national team.
“That decision was made in full consultation with the technical bench,” McCarthy explained. “The players currently in camp have been here throughout. Nothing happens without my consent.”
McCarthy also addressed Kenya’s withdrawal from the CECAFA Four-Nation Tournament held in Arusha, Tanzania last weekend. He said the poor condition of the allocated training ground forced the team to pull out.
“The pitch was substandard. We couldn’t afford unnecessary injuries this close to CHAN,” he said. “We needed a safe and professional environment to prepare. That wasn’t provided.”
Despite not featuring in any competitive friendlies leading up to CHAN, McCarthy expressed confidence in the team’s fitness and readiness. “The boys are sharp and focused. Bajaber is the only minor concern, but he’s gradually rejoining the group after some individual sessions,” he noted.
Harambee Stars will face DR Congo in their opening Group A match on August 3 at Kasarani Stadium. The squad continues training in Nairobi ahead of the continental showdown, which will also feature fixtures against Angola, Morocco, and Zambia.
McCarthy was appointed head coach in March 2025. His role has brought renewed energy to the national team setup, and he now faces his first major tournament test on home soil.
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