Benni McCarthy Writes Lovely Message to Assistant After Harambee Stars’ CHAN 2024 Exit
- Benni McCarthy penned a lovely message to one of his assistants just a day after the CHAN 2024 heartbreak
- The South African tactician was helpless as Harambee Stars were eliminated from the competition by Madagascar
- McCarthy reiterated he was proud of his players and his team and vowed to take the harsh lessons to build for future assignments
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Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy put aside his CHAN 2024 disappointment for a minute to send a lovely message to one of his friends and assistants.
Source: UGC
McCarthy's world as Harambee Stars' coach came crashing on Friday night as he agonisingly watched his bow out of CHAN 2024.
How Kenya lost to Madagascar at CHAN 2024
Kenya lost to Madagascar on penalties after a tense game at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
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The game had ended in a one-all draw after Fenohasina Razafimaro scored from the penalty spot to cancel out Alphonce Omija's opener.
In the shootouts, Omija and Michael Kibwage missed their efforts while Madagascar scored four out of five to sail through.
McCarthy cut a desolate figure after the final whistle but revealed he was proud of the work his players had put in, nonetheless.
"Nothing but being proud. The players gave me everything. Every single day in training, I cannot complain. But football is sometimes like that. I'd like to congratulate Madagascar for their passage to the semis. They deserve huge credit."
A day later, McCarthy wished one of his closest friends and assistants, Pilela Maposa, a happy birthday.
"Have a happy birthday, Pilela. Hope you have a blessed day. La Familia," he said on Instagram.
Maposa is one of the coaches McCarthy came with when he was appointed as Kenya's coach in early March.
Who is Pilela Maposa?
He is a performance analyst who has previously worked with McCarthy at Amazulu in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
According to his LinkedIn profile, he has also worked at Platinum Stars, Mpumalanga Black Aces, Free State Stars, and the under-23 South Africa national football team, as well as Banyana Banyana in Olympic qualifiers.
Outside of South Africa, Maposa has provided performance analysis for Egypt's Al Gaish F.C. and Tanzania's Young Africans.
Apart from McCarthy, he has worked under other notable coaches, including Cavin Johnson, Mushin Ertugral, Luc Eymael and Joseph Vukusic.
Other members of Kenya's technical bench
McCarthy started with an all-South African bench before adding some Kenyans to his team later.
His first assistant is Vasili Manousakis, a UEFA A-licensed coach who has worked at Amazulu, Richards Bay, Cape Town Spurs and Cape Town City.
Moeneeb Josephs joined as the goalkeepers coach after leading a decorated career in his country's league.
Popularly known as Slimkat, Josephs played for Cape Town Spurs, Ajax Cape Town, Wits University, Orlando Pirates and Amazulu before hanging up his boots.
He also played for the national team, including at the 2010 World Cup on home soil, where he was called on after Itumeleng Khune was sent off.
"I have studied the talent in this country, and I believe there is immense potential to compete at the highest level," said McCarthy when he took the job.
Source: UGC
"Together with my coaching team, including Vasili Manousakis, Moeneeb Josephs, and Pilela Maposa, we are committed to building a structured, disciplined, and competitive squad. Our goal is to develop a strong team identity, play exciting football, and make the nation proud."
The Kenyans added were former AFC Leopards and Bandari manager Anthony 'Modo' Kimani and Nick Kimanthi.
Madagascar coach sends lovely message
Madagascar head coach Romuald Rakotondrabe had nothing but praise for Harambee Stars despite eliminating them from CHAN 2024.
Romuald Rakotondrabe's side weathered the storm in Nairobi, including a loud home support, to reach the semi-finals in back-to-back years.
He highlighted his team's plans ahead of their semi-final clash against Sudan on Tuesday.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
