Harambee Stars Coach Benni McCarthy Slams Key Issue Affecting Bafana Bafana

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has shed light on a fundamental issue hindering the progress of South Africa’s national football team, Bafana Bafana.

Despite being on course to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, McCarthy believes South Africa still lags behind North African powerhouses like Egypt and Morocco, who have consistently qualified for major international tournaments.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

The South African football legend attributes Bafana Bafana’s limitations to a lack of investment in infrastructure and development by the South African Football Association (SAFA).

According to McCarthy, this shortfall prevents the team from reaching its full potential.

Under coach Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana has experienced a resurgence and is once again competing with the continent’s top teams.

The team recently qualified for the delayed 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which will take place in August across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

They are also leading their 2026 World Cup qualification group, showing significant promise under Broos's leadership.

However, McCarthy insists that unless SAFA commits to long-term development, the team will continue to trail behind its North African counterparts.

“They are not there yet because I still think within the federation, that’s where the biggest problem lies,” McCarthy said as quoted by Goal.

“When you’re constantly moving training camps around, there’s no permanent base for the national team. That’s where Morocco and Egypt have succeeded."

“The North African countries have adopted European standards—every team has a dedicated base. That’s the foundation we need to build," he added.

McCarthy, who remains Bafana Bafana's all-time top scorer, has previously been linked with the national team’s head coach role, a position he has openly expressed interest in, though it has yet to materialize.

Currently, McCarthy and the Harambee Stars find themselves in contrasting situations.

Kenya sits third in their World Cup qualification group with six points, trailing leaders Ivory Coast, who have amassed 16 points.

In contrast, South Africa leads Group C with 13 points, ahead of second-placed Rwanda on eight.