CHAN 2024: Harambee Stars Boss Benni McCarthy Denies Reports of Squad Interference
- Harambee Stars boss Benni McCarthy has finally responded to reports that changes were made to his CHAN squad without his knowledge
- The South African has made a few changes to the squad as the tournament, set to be co-hosted by Kenya, edges closer
- Kenya will open their tournament on August 3 against the Democratic Republic of Congo at the Kasarani Stadium
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Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has strongly refuted claims that changes to his Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) squad were made behind his back.
Source: UGC
McCarthy and his squad have been ramping up their preparations for the upcoming CHAN, set to kick off early next month.
Kenya will co-host the showpiece with neighbours Uganda and Tanzania, three countries that will also co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Which players were added to Benni McCarthy's squad?
A few days ago, reports surfaced suggesting that players were added to the CHAN squad, only to be released after just one training session.
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According to football journalist Kevin Teya, the players were called up without the South African's knowledge.
Forwards John Mark Makwata of Bandari FC, Clinton Kinanga of Kenya Police and Posta Rangers’ Kevin Etemesi had reportedly been called up to the team.
The reports sparked concerns about the preparations for the country's first major football tournament. The reactions to these rumours were equally intriguing.
Source: Getty Images
How did Kenyans react to CHAN squad changes?
@PeterKamondeN:
"This is unfortunate and should be stopped. It will be the greatest undoing for Harambee Stars and a fail for 🇰🇪."
@martographer:
"We ain't winning a single match in the group stage, you can bookmark this."
@Vickarimi:
"Ndio maana Kenyan football itaishi kuwa nyuma juh ya ufala zingine kama hizi."
@Williamnjogu_:
"That’s how we will loose a good coach."
@jaheleyabruzzi:
"Hii team hakuna mahali itaenda kama friendlies wanacheza na Kariobangi, sioni McCarthy akimaliza one year Kwa hio kazi."
@KevinWanambisi:
"Kimanzi should be asked to explain this. Suspect number 1."
What did Benni McCarthy say about squad changes?
The Bafana Bafana legend refuted claims that players were called to the camp without his knowledge.
“There’s been talk that players were called up without my knowledge, that’s completely false,” McCarthy said. “I’ve been fully involved in every decision. Only one player was added to the initial squad, and that was done in consultation with the technical bench.”
Bandari striker Felix Oluoch is the latest addition to the squad.
“I am in charge of Harambee Stars, the players that are here in camp have always been here, nothing goes on without my consent.”
McCarthy and Harambee Stars recently withdrew from the Four Nations tournament, which was expected to help the team prepare for CHAN.
Kenya will kick off their tournament against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on August 3.
Harambee Stars final squad for CHAN 2024
Shortly after making the comments, McCarthy named his final squad for the August tournament. Teams had up to July 23 to submit their final squad of up to 26 players.
Masoud Juma will be the most experienced player in the team. Until early this month, he would have been ineligible to play as he was not a local-based player.
However, the 2017 Kenya Premier League Golden Boot winner penned a contract with National Super League side, Migori Youth.
He will be helped by Felix Oluoch, David Sakwa, Ryan Ogam and David Sakwa.
Aboud Omar leads the defence alongside Gor Mahia duo Alphonce Omija and Sylvester Owino. Recent stars from AFCON U20, Swaleh Pamba, Kevin Okumu, and Lewis Bandi, have earned call-ups as well.
Gor Mahia's Austine Odhiambo is in, alongside his teammates, Alpha Onyango and Ben Stanley. Others include Kenya Police's Brian Musa and Marvin Nabwire.
Kipchumba Murkomen issues warning to Kenyans
In a related story, TUKO.co.ke reported that Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen asked Kenyans to behave ahead of CHAN.
Kenya was shaken by deadly protests in June, raising concerns that they could disrupt the tournament.
In March, Nyayo Stadium was packed with Kenyan fans for the Harambee Stars' World Cup qualifier against Gabon.
Martin Moses, head of Sports, contributed to this article by adding details about Harambee Stars' final squad.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
