Tanzania's Football Director hails Harambee Stars Coach Benni McCarthy's tactical brilliance at CHAN 2024

Tanzania Football Federation Technical Director, Oscar Rabson Mirambo. (Photo: Erick Kariuki/EV)

By Erick Kariuki
Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Mirambo lauded McCarthy’s tactical adaptability and game management, especially in helping Kenya top Group A in what was dubbed the “group of death.”

Tanzania Football Federation Technical Director, Oscar Rabson Mirambo, has praised Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy, describing him as the standout performer among coaches at the ongoing TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024.

Speaking during a mixed zone session at Kasarani, Mirambo, who also sits on CAF’s Technical Study Group and the Technical and Development Committee, lauded McCarthy’s tactical adaptability and game management, especially in helping Kenya top Group A in what was dubbed the “group of death.”

More To Read

“Coming out on top of that group is not a walk in the park. In terms of attacking, Harambee Stars are playing good football, and defensively, you can see the low block being used effectively. Playing with 10 men is never easy, but it takes players with heart and a flexible coach. I applaud him for how he manages games and adapts to situations,” Mirambo said.

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy. (Photo.FKF Media)

The Tanzanian football chief, a UEFA Pro License holder and CAF Elite Instructor, highlighted how the CHAN tournament has offered valuable lessons for East African football, not just in terms of competition but also infrastructure and organisational standards. He noted that the success of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in the group stages reflects the region’s growing investment in development programmes and league structures.

“One thing I’ve learned from this tournament is the importance of organisation and infrastructure. CAF has pushed hard on this, and after CHAN, we expect the host nations to be left with improved facilities that will serve football for years to come,” he remarked.

Mirambo also pointed to emerging tactical trends, the versatility of players, and the rise of new talents as key positives from the tournament. Looking ahead to Kenya’s quarterfinal clash with Madagascar, he predicted an entertaining contest, adding: “It will be a good game.”

Meanwhile, seasoned Kenyan coach and administrator Michael Amenga echoed Mirambo’s sentiments, emphasising the remarkable progress made in this edition of CHAN. He hailed the dominance of host nations in their groups, the lasting impact of infrastructure development, and the pride in seeing more local coaches take charge of national teams.

“Local coaches have stood out in this tournament, and we are proud. If you look game by game, you will be impressed by what Benni McCarthy is doing with Harambee Stars, especially given the tough group they were in,” Amenga said.

As CHAN 2024 enters the knockout stage, East African football continues to shine both on and off the pitch, with tactical innovation, talent development, and improved organisation setting the stage for a promising future.