By Hlayisani Magoro.
Photo Credit: BackpagePix.
Kenya national team head coach Benni McCarthy is optimistic of causing an upset against Bafana Bafana ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday.
The highly-anticipated encounter will see the former Manchester United striker’s coach renew his rivalry in the dugout with compatriot Pitso Mosimane, as the pair previously went head-to-head in club football.
McCarthy beat Mosimane’s Mamelodi Sundowns twice in the league during his time at Cape Town City, while the three-time CAF Champions League winner also reigned supreme on two occasions, with the other match ending in a draw.
With the game on the horizon, the Kenya boss says Mosimane has always been surrounded by the best in class in his coaching career, and is upbeat the Harambee Stars will stand their ground against Bafana.
“Coach Pitso has always had the upper hand, he’s always been at places that had infrastructure and the best of everything. And for me as a young coach, I always just try to give my best and stay true to myself,” said McCarthy.
“I go out there and try to play the best way that I can that can make it difficult for whoever you’re up against, and sometimes we were fortunate and on other occasions we weren’t as fortunate. So, it’s another one of those cases.”
“It’s David versus Goliath, and unfortunately, I seem to be always David, I’m never Goliath. So, it will be another battle and I think tactically I’ve got a strong team and if we get things right I think we can give them a run for their money.”
Whether Kenya will halt Mosimane and his charges in their quest for a spot in the continental showpiece remains to be seen, having secured automatic qualification as co-hosts of the tournament.