Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy is urging Ghanaians to exercise patience as he works to build a formidable national team. His plea comes after Kenya's 0-0 draw against Chad in a recent international friendly held in Morocco.
McCarthy, a South African football legend, has faced criticism following the draw. Some fans have expressed concerns about the team's performance under his leadership. However, McCarthy maintains that building a strong team takes time and requires careful assessment of players.
Building for the Future
“Rome wasn’t built in a day,” McCarthy stated, emphasizing the need for a gradual and strategic approach. He highlighted the importance of understanding each player's strengths and how they fit into the national team setup. He explained that these friendly matches serve as crucial preparation for upcoming tournaments like the African Nations Championship (CHAN).
He further clarified that it is a big jump for the local Kenyan players to play international football.
Challenges and Expectations
McCarthy acknowledges the pressure to win but insists that expecting immediate victories with a newly assembled team is unrealistic. He stresses the need for players to adapt to the international level and develop cohesion as a unit. He said he needed to understand the players well before playing them.
- Getting players used to each other.
- Helping them transition from local to international football.
- Selecting the best players for the CHAN tournament.
Despite the challenges, McCarthy remains optimistic about the future of the Harambee Stars. He believes that with time and dedication, the team can achieve its goals and make Ghana proud.