Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy has sent a strong message to his home country, South Africa, insisting that he will not allow emotions or personal connections to influence his approach when the two nations meet in their upcoming back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches.

McCarthy, who was born in Cape Town and enjoyed a successful career representing Bafana Bafana, acknowledged that he would naturally want the best for South Africa. However, he made it clear that his responsibilities as Kenya's national team coach would come first when the two sides face each other.

“I’d want the very best for my country but I’ll definitely not make it easy for them,” McCarthy said.

The former Bafana Bafana striker's comments have added an interesting personal dimension to the upcoming encounters, considering his history with South African football and the national team.

McCarthy remains one of the country's most celebrated former footballers, having represented South Africa at major international tournaments and enjoyed a distinguished playing career abroad.

However, his current role in Kenyan football means he will be expected to prepare his team to compete against the country where his football journey began.

The upcoming fixtures will therefore present a special challenge for the former striker, who will be on the opposite side of the touchline against his countrymen.

For South Africa, the matches will require focus and discipline, as they prepare to face a Kenyan team led by a coach who understands the strengths and weaknesses of South African football.

McCarthy's warning also shows that he intends to approach the encounters professionally, despite his emotional connection to South Africa.

While he may wish his home country well beyond the football pitch, the former Bafana Bafana star has made his position clear: when the whistle blows, his priority will be Kenya's performance and results.

Source : https://x.com/iDiskiTimes/status/2120149332708016470/photo/1?s=19