Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has revealed that he and members of his technical bench have not been paid, raising fresh concerns over the management of the national team just days before Kenya faces South Africa in a crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
The South African tactician said the situation remains unresolved, despite players receiving their outstanding allowances after a dispute disrupted preparations for Kenya’s opening qualifying matches against Eritrea and Guinea.
Speaking to Sporty TV, McCarthy said his coaching staff had not received any payments and warned that football’s governing bodies could eventually be forced to intervene if the issue is not addressed.
“The technical staff have received nothing,” McCarthy said.
He added that the authorities would have to honour their obligations and pay the coaches, noting that FIFA and the Confederation of African Football may have to step into the matter.
The former Manchester United forwards coach, however, insisted that the salary delays would not stop him from carrying out his duties as Kenya’s head coach.
He said his priority remains helping the national team improve and leaving Kenyan football in a better position than he found it.
Harambee Stars Salary Row
The latest revelations come only weeks after the national team camp was rocked by a dispute over unpaid player allowances ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
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Before Kenya’s opening qualifier against Eritrea at Nyayo National Stadium in September, players reportedly refused to train over delayed payments.
McCarthy disclosed that he personally intervened to convince the squad to return to training and focus on the match.
According to the coach, the team was left with just one training session before taking on Eritrea after the standoff threatened preparations.
He said he would never allow players to refuse to play for the national team and felt responsible for ensuring they were mentally ready for the assignment despite the off-field distractions.
McCarthy recalled persuading the players to train on the eve of the match before eventually convincing them to play the following day.
The coach further revealed that uncertainty over the payments continued even as the team travelled to Guinea for its second Group D fixture.
He said most players eventually received their allowances after pressure was placed on both the Football Kenya Federation and the government to resolve the issue.
Despite the financial concerns, Kenya must now shift attention to a tough encounter against South Africa at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg.
The fixture will be Harambee Stars’ third match in Group D as they continue their AFCON qualifying campaign.
Kenya has collected only one point from its opening two matches.
Also Read: Who Is Benni McCarthy? Harambee Stars Coach Profile, Football Career, Family and Salary
The team drew 1-1 with Eritrea in Nairobi before suffering a 1-0 defeat away to Guinea.
Why Benni McCarthy’s Future in Kenya Is Uncertain
Benni McCarthy has repeatedly indicated that his long-term future lies in club football rather than international management, saying he misses working with players every day and feels national team coaching limits his ability to develop them because he only sees players during short international windows.
He has stated that after his experience with Harambee Stars, he would like to return to club management.
His frustrations have been compounded by the lack of work permits for foreign members of the coaching team.
The work permit dispute is also the reason McCarthy says he does not live in Kenya between national team assignments.
The South African coach revealed that neither he nor some members of his technical bench had received the documentation required to work legally in the country, forcing them to leave after each camp ends.
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