‘I Don’t Chase History’ - Benni McCarthy Lets Out Key Aspect of Success He Shares with Cristiano Ronaldo

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy maintains that he never had doubts over being successful in Kenya when he took over.

McCarthy has been in charge of the Harambee Stars since March this year and there has been a reawakening of Kenyan football with the national team playing with swagger which has rubbed off well on fans.

South Africa’s all-time top scorer has shown his tactical acumen at the ongoing 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN 2024) where he has guided Kenya to the quarter-final with one match to spare from a tough group that has two-time winners DR Congo and Morocco, Cosafa champions Angola and Zambia.

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Harambee Stars can finish top of the group with a win over Zambia on Sunday and as history beckons for his charges, the former Manchester United first-team coach says it is a familiar feeling that he has had throughout his career and not surprised by his latest heroics.

“I don’t chase history…Cristiano Ronaldo said he doesn’t chase history. He works towards it and history chases him and I think I am a little bit the same,” McCarthy said on Saturday.

“If you do look in South Africa, I did not have to be the all-time greatest scorer that the country has but history has just followed me.”

The South African tactician says he has never doubted himself whenever he takes on a challenge and believes the rewards will always come even against the odds as long as he sticks to his principles.

“So, for me, it is about doing the right things, the hard work and letting the players’ quality and then let it shine through on the pitch and whatever happens, if we win the tournament, I will be delighted for the players not because my mind was set on Kenya being 100 and odd years ago [without success],” he added.

“I am not someone that chases numbers, I like to work and make players better, improve them so that they can get better opportunities in life as professionals but also better their circumstances for their own lives. For me, those are the most important values.”

Having masterminded Kenya’s passage to the quarter-final, when few gave them the chance, McCarthy will be confident of making it to the semi-final and possibly winning a historic trophy for the Harambee Stars to stay true to his mantra of history chasing him.