Benni McCarthy praises ruthless Harambee Stars after 5-0 thumping of Seychelles
McCarthy admitted there was pressure heading into the clash, but praised his players for bouncing back strongly.
Kenya’s head coach, Benni McCarthy, was all smiles after Harambee Stars cruised to a commanding 5–0 victory in Nairobi, a result he described as a much-needed response following the disappointment of their recent defeat to The Gambia.
McCarthy admitted there was pressure heading into the clash, but praised his players for bouncing back strongly.
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“Control is about pressure. Sometimes it blows you away, sometimes it doesn’t,” he said. “Today, we did exactly what we said we wanted to do: take the game to them from the first minute. The players showed character, created chances, and were more ruthless in front of goal,” he said.
Kenya blew away their opponents with four goals in the first half, with striker Ryan Wesley Ogam grabbing a brace on his first start alongside captain Michael Olunga.
The coach hailed the young forward’s impact, calling it a sign of maturity and growth. “Ryan took his goals really well. He could have had a hat-trick, but I’m pleased with the way he combined with Olunga. Playing with the captain gives him the best example to learn from, and you can see he’s quickly becoming his own man,” McCarthy said.
The coach also defended Olunga, who has faced criticism in recent months, stressing his importance to the squad. “People will always talk, but Michael remains crucial for me and the team. Every time he puts on the shirt, he gives everything. That’s what matters,” he noted.
Other debutants also earned praise, including Collins Sichenje, who marked his appearance with a goal. McCarthy revealed the technical bench had been monitoring the Spain-based winger for some time and believes he adds the speed and trickery Kenya has been missing.
“He was brave, he kept wanting the ball, and he made life very difficult for defenders,” McCarthy said.
The coach highlighted set-pieces as a decisive factor in the emphatic win, admitting the team had worked on them extensively in training. “Against Gambia, we wasted many opportunities, but today the determination was greater. The players executed what we practised, and it paid off,” he explained.
Looking ahead, McCarthy stressed the importance of maintaining momentum before October’s World Cup qualifiers.
He suggested organising regional friendlies to keep the squad sharp. “We’ll monitor players at their clubs, but it would be great to have camps and even mini-tournaments with neighbours like Tanzania, Uganda, or Rwanda. That way, we keep the philosophy fresh and continue building,” he said.
The South African tactician concluded by acknowledging the growing identity of his side under his philosophy, while cautioning that more time is needed. “It’s a work in progress. We don’t get much time with the players, but today showed that when they buy in, we can deliver football that excites the fans.”
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