Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy has openly admitted that Pitso Mosimane has usually held the upper hand when the two have faced each other in the past. Speaking ahead of Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Bafana Bafana and the Harambee Stars, McCarthy said the difference often came down to resources and infrastructure.

“Coach Pitso has always had the upper hand, at places that had infrastructure, the best of everything,” McCarthy explained. “As a young coach, I tried to give my best, stay true to myself, go out there and play the best way I can and make it difficult for who you’re up against.”

The two coaches have a long history in South African football. McCarthy previously managed Cape Town City and AmaZulu, while Mosimane was in charge of Mamelodi Sundowns during those years. Sundowns had better facilities, a stronger budget and more established structures, which McCarthy believes gave Mosimane a clear advantage in their league battles. Despite that, McCarthy said he always tried to compete on equal terms by sticking to his own style of play.

He described the upcoming match at Orlando Stadium as another “David versus Goliath” situation. Kenya arrive as the underdogs, but McCarthy believes his side is tactically organised and capable of making life difficult for Bafana if they get their approach right.

At the same time, McCarthy has praised the work Mosimane has done since taking over Bafana Bafana. He said the players now look more relaxed and free on the pitch compared to previous months. “Local is lekker,” he noted, adding that the team is playing with more joy and understanding under a South African coach who knows the culture well.

Bafana enter the game as favourites after a strong start under Mosimane, who has won his first three matches in charge. Kenya, however, have already secured their place at the 2027 AFCON finals as co-hosts and will be looking to cause an upset. McCarthy made it clear that personal history will not influence his approach. He said the job now is simply to prepare his players to compete and try to take points off South Africa.

The qualifier is expected to draw a big crowd as local fans watch two familiar South African coaches lock horns once again.

Source: https://x.com/iDiskiTimes/status/2121174580735668430?a=iIIKpCFuuUNUuWFpUMM&s=19