CHAN 2024: Harambee Stars Ready for Zambia as Daniel Sakari Reveals Nickname for Benni McCarthy

Harambee Stars right-back Daniel Sakari has opened about the special bond he has with head coach Benni McCarthy, and why he lovingly calls the South African strategist "Baba" as Kenya prepares for a do-or-die Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 Group 'A' tie against Zambia at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

The energetic but diminutive winger has been instrumental in the matches he has played in so far, guiding Kenya to the quarter-finals of the continental tournament on their inaugural appearance, with just one group match left to play.

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The dependability of the defender has not escaped attention and heading into Sunday's match against Chipolopolo, Sakari claims the team is more concentrated than before.

"As players, we are ready. We've trained well for the past week, very focused in order to finish well. We have been a good team in the past three games, but to be a great team we must be good all the time. That's what we would like to do tomorrow," Sakari said in a pre-match press conference.

The Harambee Stars have gone unbeaten in the tournament so far, earning kudos for their solidity in defense and determination.

Sakari asserts that the greatest motivation comes in the guise of the man piloting them from the touchline—Benni McCarthy.

The right-back explained that the nickname "Baba" is his show of respect and admiration for the coach, not just for his prowess on the playing field while playing, but also for his leadership qualities since he assumed the Harambee Stars position.

"Excellent performance will demand intrinsic and extrinsic motivation—fans are among the extrinsics. The 27,000 fans will still be there behind us, and that is a tremendous morale booster. Morale and motivation are good," said Sakari, then turning to McCarthy as the team anchor.

With Coach Benni McCarthy—I call him Baba—at the helm, we know what he used to do as a player and now as a coach. Under him, we believe we can also go abroad and compete at the highest level. We work for him too, because he has a name to protect," he said.

For Sakari, calling McCarthy “Baba” is not just about mentorship—it is about the sense of family that the coach has instilled in the squad.

The respect cuts across the playing unit, as players feel inspired to push themselves further, knowing they are contributing to something bigger than individual achievements.

Sakari’s own performances underline his words. In the opening clash against DR Congo, he endured a tough first 15 minutes, picking up a yellow card after being closely shadowed by his marker. But he fought back strongly, playing a key role in the build-up to Kenya’s winning goal.

Against Angola in the second group match, Sakari was in a disciplined five-man defense that repelled the Stars from being reduced to 10 men upon Marvin Nabwire being shown his red card. In the match against Morocco, he was a late substitute who steadied the defense and introduced some freshness into the team.

"The approach remains the same: to be consistent as a good team so that we can be a great team—and maybe the greatest team by getting the championship. We'll go in, battle, and hopefully get the result that we want: a win," Sakari emphasized.

Kenya will subsequently play Zambia on Sunday, 17 August, in their final pool match at Kasarani.