Ex-Harambee Stars utility man Situma backs Benni McCarthy to turn around national team fortunes

Former Harambee Stars utility man James Situma has tipped Benni McCarthy to excel as the national team head coach despite the winless run since he took over the mantle.

Situma’s backing comes after a wasteful Harambee Stars fired blanks in a barren draw against lowly ranked Chad in a friendly match played at the stade de Marrakech, Morocco on Saturday.

In his first and second assignments, Kenya rallied from behind to force a 3-3 draw on March 20 before losing 2-1 to visiting Gabon three days later, both matches being Group stage World Cup Qualifiers.

“I saw the boys dominated the game which means that every player on the pitch wanted to win. But we have to understand that the coach is undergoing a building process and his players need to adapt to his style of play before we start enjoying results,” he explained.

He has made so many changes in the squad and so it is work in progress,”Situma added.

Situma has at the same time urged fans to give the South African more time to build his own team. 

“So far so good because Benni came while the league is almost winding up, and so he needs time to have a look at our local players and select his own players who will fit into his philosophy without struggle.

He has not had enough time that would warrant any amount of judgement for what he has done so far,” Situma stated.

McCarthy has his in-tray full, with a looming CHAN, where Kenya are the hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania, he has the duty of making a good show despite tough opponents in the wait. The climax of his litmus test will be the much awaited 2027 AFCON tournament in which Kenya will again be co-hosts with the aforementioned neighbours.

The former AFC Leopards, Tusker and Sofapaka man is optimistic Kenya will sparkle in the August Chan tournament.

“Yes, I am optimistic we have talents and according to history, at home, we have been doing well in Cecafa tournaments when we host and so CHAN will not be an exception. We will do well,” Situma enthused.