“I’m Still a South African”: Benni McCarthy Opens Up on Emotional Bafana Bafana Showdown as Kenya Coach

Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy has admitted that facing his beloved South Africa will be an emotional experience, but insists that his professional responsibility to the Harambee Stars comes first ahead of Friday’s crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

South African football legend Benni McCarthy is preparing for an extraordinary homecoming as he leads Kenya against Bafana Bafana at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Friday, November 13.

The former Bafana Bafana striker has acknowledged the emotional significance of the encounter, particularly given his deep connection with South African football and the stadium where he enjoyed memorable moments during his playing career with Orlando Pirates.

Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated encounter, McCarthy made it clear that although his professional responsibilities now lie with Kenya, his identity and pride as a South African remain unchanged.

“I’m still a South African, and I have done a great deal for my country when it comes to football, so I will sing my national anthem,” McCarthy said.

The statement reflects the complicated emotions surrounding his first competitive assignment against his country of birth since taking charge of the Kenyan national team.

McCarthy remains one of the most celebrated figures in South African football history. The former striker is Bafana Bafana’s all-time leading goalscorer, having registered 31 goals in 81 international appearances.

His remarkable playing career also saw him win the UEFA Champions League with FC Porto, establishing himself as one of South Africa’s most successful football exports.

Returning to Orlando Stadium, therefore, carries special significance for the 48-year-old coach.

However, despite his affection for South Africa, McCarthy has insisted that sentiment will not influence his tactical decisions or commitment to Kenya.

He has acknowledged that facing the national team he once represented would create conflicting emotions, particularly with familiar supporters watching from the stands. Nevertheless, he has made it clear that Bafana Bafana should not expect any special treatment.

South Africa, under head coach Pitso Mosimane, enter Friday’s encounter with significant expectations following victories over Guinea and Eritrea in their opening Group D qualifying fixtures.

The results have placed Bafana at the top of the group, strengthening their ambitions of securing a place at the 2027 AFCON tournament.

Kenya, meanwhile, will approach the encounter with confidence despite their inconsistent start to the campaign.

As co-hosts alongside Tanzania and Uganda, the Harambee Stars have already secured automatic qualification for the tournament. Their participation in the qualifiers provides valuable competitive preparation.

However, the stakes remain particularly important for South Africa, who must maintain their position in the group standings to secure qualification.

The encounter also presents an interesting coaching battle between McCarthy and Mosimane, two respected figures in African football.

For McCarthy, the mission is straightforward: deliver a competitive performance and demonstrate the progress of Kenyan football.

Friday's encounter at Orlando Stadium promises an intriguing mixture of national pride, professional rivalry and emotional significance.

Ultimately, McCarthy may be returning home, but he will arrive with a different badge on his chest and a responsibility to deliver for Kenya.

Source https://x.com/iDiskiTimes/status/2120846569746632804?a=UADJk5LpmjhxGFXc3xU&s=19