Benni McCarthy has named three players from the Betway Premiership in his first squad as head coach of the Kenya national team. His appointment follows a stint at Manchester United, and he brings a solid technical team to support his efforts. Included in the squad are players from Stellenbosch FC, Richards Bay FC, and Polokwane City FC, as Kenya prepares for FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon.
Benni McCarthy, the newly appointed head coach of the Kenya national football team, has named three players from the Betway Premiership in his inaugural squad selection. As he takes on the challenge of elevating the Harambee Stars into a continental powerhouse, McCarthy aims to harness local talent alongside international experience in preparation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Having recently transitioned from a coaching role at Manchester United, McCarthy brings a wealth of experience to the Harambee Stars, including prior engagements with Cape Town City FC and AmaZulu FC in the Betway Premiership. His new technical team includes Moeneeb Josephs as goalkeeper coach, Vasili Manousakis as assistant coach, and Pilela Maposa as performance analyst, all contributing to McCarthy’s plan for success.
In his squad announcement for the matches against Gambia and Gabon, McCarthy included defender Brian Onyango from Stellenbosch FC, goalkeeper Ian Otieno from Richards Bay FC, and goalkeeper Brian Bwire from Polokwane City FC. These selections not only reflect his ties to the PSL but also signal his intent to blend local and international talent.
The full Kenya national team squad is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Brian Opondo, Faruk Shikhalo, Ian Otieno, Brian Bwire.
Defenders: Sylvester Owino, Ronney Onyango, Alphonce Omija, Siraj Mohamed, Daniel Sakar, Levis Esambe, Eric Ouma, Johnstone Omurwa, Joseph Okumu, Collins Sichenje, Daniel Anyembe, Brian Onyango.
Midfielders: Musa Katibi, Chris Erambo, Austine Odhiambo, Lawrence Juma, Kelly Madada, Ben Stanley, Mathia Isogoli, Andreas Odhiambo, Alpha Onyango, Richard Odada, Duke Abuya, Timothy Ouma, Apollo Otieno, Amos Nondi, Eric Johanna, Anthony Akumu, Ismail Gonzalez, William Lenkupae.
Forwards: Boniface Muchiri, James Kinyanjui, Alvin Mang’eni, Mohamed Bajaber, Eric Balecho, Ryan Ogam, Moses Shumah, Edward Omondi, Elvis Rupia, John Avire, Jonah Ayunga, Michael Olunga, Mathew Tegisi, Masud Juma.
In conclusion, Benni McCarthy’s appointment as head coach of the Kenya national team promises to bring renewed vigor and strategy to the squad. With his inclusion of three PSL players, he acknowledges the importance of blending local talent into the team. As the Harambee Stars prepare for their FIFA World Cup qualifiers, McCarthy and his technical team will aim to leverage their experience to achieve success on the international stage.
Original Source: farpost.co.za
