McCarthy's influence felt early as Harambee Stars begin training for Gambia, Gabon ties
The Harambee Stars camp is in high spirits after new head coach Benni McCarthy led his second training session at the Ulinzi Sports Complex. The team is gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against The Gambia and Gabon later this month.
The Harambee Stars camp is brimming with optimism as the squad concluded their second training session under new head coach Benni McCarthy and his technical team at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
The South African tactician, who took charge of the national team earlier this year, is preparing the squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against The Gambia and Gabon. Kenya will face The Gambia on March 20, 2025, at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, before hosting Gabon at Nyayo National Stadium on March 24, 2025.
Harambee Stars currently sit fourth in Group F with five points from four matches - one win against Seychelles, two draws against Burundi and Ivory Coast, and a loss to Gabon. Ivory Coast leads the group with 10 points, followed by Gabon with nine. Burundi are third with seven points, while The Gambia and Seychelles occupy fifth and sixth place with three and zero points, respectively.
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Speaking after Friday's session, Bandari FC goalkeeper Faruk Shikhalo expressed confidence in the team's preparations and praised the positive changes since McCarthy's arrival.
“We’ve been training well, and with the improvements brought by the new Federation and technical bench, we believe we can deliver good results. We urge Kenyans to support us because we’re working hard to make them proud,” Shikhalo said.
Kenya Police FC midfielder Mohamed Bajaber echoed Shikhalo's sentiments, applauding McCarthy's belief in young players.
“The coach has shared his vision with us, and I’m thrilled by his faith in youth. Even if some of us don’t make the final squad, it feels good to be part of his plans. The future looks bright for Kenya under his leadership,” Bajaber remarked.
The Harambee Stars are expected to link up with foreign-based players on Monday when the international break officially begins.
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