Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy is facing growing pressure to leave his position following remarks about Kenya’s chances of competing against Africa’s top football teams, with questions emerging over his confidence in the national team ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The pressure follows an open letter by journalist Martin Moses on Friday, October 9, who questioned McCarthy’s leadership, public statements and ability to inspire the national team after a promising start to his tenure.
Moses argued that while Kenya faces significant challenges against established African football powerhouses, the head coach’s comments risk undermining the confidence of players and supporters.
He recalled the excitement that surrounded McCarthy’s appointment, particularly during the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), when Harambee Stars recorded impressive results against stronger opponents.
On his part, sports enthusiast said Benni McCarthy to resign if he does not believe Kenya can compete against Africa’s top football teams.
Benni McCarthy Pressured to Resign Over AFCON Remarks
In a statement, Sagini argued that the coach’s responsibility goes beyond acknowledging the national team’s limitations to building a side capable of challenging stronger opponents.
Sagini added that Kenya may not currently rank among Africa’s football powerhouses but maintained that the country’s weaknesses should not become an excuse for abandoning its ambitions ahead of the 2027 AFCON.
At the same time, Matude Le Me wrote, ” this amounts to resignation. Benni just proved to be a bit immature as a coach. Even in the way he talks he does not see himself as part of the team.”
On August 10, 2025, Kenya defeated Morocco 1-0 at Kasarani Stadium despite playing with 10 men for more than 50 minutes.
The victory strengthened fans’ belief that the national team could compete with highly rated opponents under McCarthy’s leadership.
Moses described the moment as one of the most memorable experiences of his life as a Harambee Stars supporter.
“You made us believe again,” Moses wrote, reflecting on the optimism that accompanied Kenya’s early performances under the South African tactician.
However, he argued that the confidence has since faded following a decline in performances and McCarthy’s recent public statements about Kenya’s prospects against leading African teams.
McCarthy’s Confidence in Harambee Stars Questioned
Moses maintained that Kenya’s underdog status does not mean the national team should abandon its ambition of competing for major honours.
He criticised McCarthy for suggesting that Kenya could not win AFCON even if he were paid millions of dollars, arguing that such remarks could damage the team’s morale.
“That Kenya is miles below established teams in Africa is a well-known fact that no sane fan would run away from,” Moses wrote.
“But the problem, Benni, is that not everything has to be said out loud. Least of all by the head coach tasked with the very same job of making sure we get a result against these big teams.”
The journalist questioned the message the coach was sending to his players, arguing that a head coach should communicate the challenges facing the team without appearing to rule out the possibility of success.
“Why would your player put his best forward for you if you don’t believe we are going to win?” Moses asked.
He added that players need a leader who believes they can challenge stronger opponents, even when the odds are against them.
The South African coach, speaking in comments captured by AD Sports Media, pointed to Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Ivory Coast and Guinea among the nations he considers significantly ahead of Kenya in terms of footballing strength and experience.
“Even if you pay me millions and millions of dollars to win AFCON, I don’t think Kenya has enough resources, and a team strong enough to compete against Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Ivory Coast and Guinea,” McCarthy stated.
“These are powerful nations on the African continent, and we can’t compete against them because they are way above us. To think Kenya can win AFCON is not impossible, but very unlikely.”
Moses also acknowledged that he does not expect Kenya to win AFCON 2027, but argued that supporters should be able to believe in the possibility of an unexpected triumph.
“The difference is, I am a fan on most days and a journalist on other days; I can say what I want openly,” he wrote.
“What I expect to see is a team that fights because football, the beautiful game, delivers upsets in beautiful ways.”
Also Read: Who Is Benni McCarthy? Harambee Stars Coach Profile, Football Career, Family and Salary
McCarthy’s Earlier Promise to Kenyans
The journalist also revisited McCarthy’s unveiling on March 3, 2025, at Serena Hotel in Nairobi, when the coach pledged to work hard to build a national team Kenyans could be proud of.
At the time, McCarthy promised to work with his technical staff to improve the team and ensure that it represented the country positively.
“I can only promise the nation that my staff and I will work extremely hard for them and give them a team to be proud of. We will definitely not stop until you have a National team that represents Kenya in the best way,” McCarthy said during his unveiling.
Moses questioned whether the coach’s recent comments reflected the ambition he had expressed when he took charge of Harambee Stars.
“Going by your recent statements, are you still building a team we would be proud of?” he asked.
He further challenged McCarthy to explain what his commitment to working extremely hard meant for a team whose coach appeared pessimistic about its chances against Africa’s strongest sides.
Also Read: Benni McCarthy Reveals Why He Does Not Stay in Kenya
Football Federation Challenges Also Affect Harambee Stars
Despite his criticism, Moses acknowledged that McCarthy has faced significant challenges during his time in charge of the national team.
He pointed to problems within Kenyan football, including federation disputes, league disruptions, player allowance concerns and issues surrounding the coach’s work permit.
According to the journalist, these challenges have complicated McCarthy’s work and made it difficult to establish the stable environment needed to develop the team.
However, Moses maintained that the difficulties did not excuse statements that could weaken public confidence in the national team.
He also distinguished between disagreements over squad selection and concerns about the coach’s public communication, noting that journalists and fans have a responsibility to question team selections and performances.
Moses argued that McCarthy ultimately has the responsibility to select his squad, while supporters and journalists are entitled to demand explanations when the team fails to meet expectations.
As Kenya prepares to host AFCON 2027 alongside Uganda and Tanzania, expectations for Harambee Stars remain high, even as the team faces the challenge of competing against some of Africa’s most established sides.
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