Benni McCarthy has issued a warning to Africa’s traditional powerhouses ahead of the African Nations Championship (CHAN), urging them not to underestimate his Kenyan national team.
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The former Bafana Bafana striker will lead Kenya into an official tournament for the first time when the CHAN kicks off next week. The Harambee Stars face a stern test in the group stage, having been drawn alongside two former champions — Morocco and the Democratic Republic of Congo — as well as 2011 runners-up Angola.
Despite the calibre of opposition, McCarthy is optimistic about his side’s chances.
“Whoever drew these balls… Mariga (Macdonald) killed us (laughs). But honestly, it’s a great challenge. When you play football and then convert to become a coach, you always have that saying that to win anything you’ve got to beat the best,” he said.
“For you to get to what you want, to be the best, the difficult teams will always be in your path and you have to beat them anyway. We have a great opportunity with two-time champions in the DRC and Morocco, Angola which is also very well respected, as well as a tough nation in Zambia who have always been there in African football."
“And now, we have a Kenya who wants to have a taste of the top. This is our time and the squad we have gathered is hungry and wants success. How better than starting this in your own backyard? We play our matches on home soil, in front of our own fans, and this is a perfect opportunity to do exceptionally well and eliminate teams that could probably reach the final.”
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“This will be a massive challenge and a good test for the boys as well. We will be ready — and come CHAN, I can very confidently state that we will be a team fearful of no one.”
