Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy has spoken about the emotional experience of preparing to face his home country, South Africa, in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

The former Bafana Bafana striker insists that taking charge of Kenya has not weakened his connection to South Africa. He has also confirmed that he will sing the South African national anthem when the two nations meet.

Speaking to Matshelana Mamabolo of iDiski Times, McCarthy said he remains proud of his South African identity and the contribution he made to football in his home country.

"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," he said.

McCarthy is regarded as one of the most accomplished figures in South African football. He scored 31 goals for Bafana Bafana, making him the country's all-time leading international goalscorer.

The 49-year-old acknowledged that facing South Africa would be an emotional occasion. However, he made it clear that his professional duty as Kenya's head coach would remain his priority.

He also spoke positively about South African coach Pitso Mosimane, describing him as a respected coach and friend. McCarthy recognised the quality in the Bafana Bafana squad but maintained that Kenya would travel into the contest determined to achieve a positive result.

The first meeting is scheduled for Friday, November 13, 2026, at Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto, while the return leg will be played in Nairobi on November 17.

The fixture is expected to be a special moment for McCarthy, who will come up against the country where his football career began while representing Kenya in the dugout.

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