Benni McCarthy Reveals Why He is Proud of ‘Impatient’ Harambee Stars Fans

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy is grateful to Kenyan fans for showing their patience with his team during their 1-0 win over DR Congo in the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN 2024).

Kenya started their campaign with a slim 1-0 win over the two-time winners but weathered an early storm with basic errors threatening to put them in a spot of bother.

Harambee Stars struggled in the early exchanges with stage fright clearly evident but survived it before Austin Odhiambo scored the only goal on the stroke of halftime.

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McCarthy is, however, thankful that the fans did not lose their patience even when the players were frustrating and making mistakes and feels that played a huge part in their run to victory.

“The way that the players played, they showed their appreciation for the love that the fans have shown us,” McCarthy said after the match.

“They stood by the team and the one thing that I am so proud of these fans because I know they are very impatient and quick to whistle and ask for change but that did not happen even though some players struggled a little bit.”

The tactician understands why his players could not get going early on but feels they still could have repaid the supporters faith with another goal.

“Because it is your first time playing on such a stage so of course the nerves will get to some players and you tend to make the wrong decisions but the fans were patient and stuck with the boys and I am slightly disappointed that we did not give them the second or third goal which we could have done but we are a work in progress,” he added.

McCarthy also lauded President William Ruto for hugely motivating the players after announcing that each of them will receive Ksh1 million for every win.

“Nice bonus from the President also don’t hurt so I am sure somewhere in the back of their minds that bonus that the President said if they win games might have played a good part,” said the South African tactician.

Kenya will now prepare for their second match, a tricky tie against Angola on Thursday, which they need to win yet again to give them hopes of getting out of the tough group that also has Morocco and Zambia.