McCarthy reveals Kimanzi's hand in Harambee Stars squad selection

McCarthy, who has been in the country for a fortnight has only attended one match in local football, thus needed guidance from the newly appointed Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Development Director.

“He has really been helpful to us now that we have been in the country for just two weeks and attended only one match. It was important to offer some help as we try to understand the players. We will still keep engaging him because he has a rich knowledge of Kenyan football,” said McCarthy.

The head coach held his first training session with the team yesterday, and was impressed.

“They have been really impressive, especially the young players. I hope they will be able to adapt to my coaching philosophy and I continue understanding their style of play,” he added.

His first match in charge of the team will be next Thursday against Gambia before hosting Gabon three days later in Nairobi.

The former Bafana Bafana striker has promised to make Kenya a football powerhouse.

“We are determined to come up with a very strong team that every Kenyan will be proud of. We have the right quality of players to make that happen and I am sure good results will come,” he added.

Stars lie fourth on five points, five adrift of Group F leaders Ivory Coast after four matches.