Benni McCarthy Missing as Harambee Stars Depart for Senegal, Equatorial Guinea Friendlies
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As the Harambee Stars assembled on Tuesday evening for their first training session at the Nyayo National Stadium ahead of their upcoming international friendlies against Senegal and Equatorial Guinea, one notable figure was absent, head coach Benni McCarthy.
Despite expectations that he would oversee the team’s preparations, Benni McCarthy was nowhere to be seen during the session.
His absence extended into Wednesday morning when the national team departed for Turkey, where the two friendly matches are scheduled to take place.
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The continued lack of clarity surrounding Benni McCarthy’s whereabouts has sparked growing concern and speculation among fans and pundits alike.
Take off ✈️
— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) November 12, 2025
Destination ▶️ Turkey#HarambeeStars pic.twitter.com/xBLGMUohIu
Where is Coach Benni McCarthy?
Harambee Stars assistant coach Vasili Manousakis explained that Benni McCarthy’s absence from the national team squad travelling to Turkey was due to complications with his passport renewal process.
He noted that the coach had already resolved the issue and obtained the new document, but given the timing, it would not have been practical for him to travel back to Kenya before the team’s departure.
Vasili Manousakis added that the team would reunite with Benni McCarthy once they arrived in Turkey, assuring fans that the coach was already en route and that there was no cause for concern.
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He emphasised that the situation had been purely administrative and that Benni McCarthy remained fully committed to leading the Harambee Stars during their upcoming friendly matches.
“He had some passport issues, just renewing his passport, so he has received that now, and it made no sense from, Friday to come over back here. So we shall meet him in Turkey. He is definitely there and we shall see him. It was just some passport issues,” he said.
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Harambee Stars will open their international tour with a clash against Equatorial Guinea on November 14 at the Emir Complex, followed by a highly anticipated encounter with African powerhouse Senegal on November 18 at the Mardan Stadium.