The head coach of the Kenyan national team, Benny McCarthy, emphasized that mutual respect remains between him and his senior colleague Pitso Mosimane, but warned South Africa to expect a very intense confrontation in the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup.
McCarthy expressed happiness about Pitso Mosimane's appointment as head coach of 'Bafana Bafana' but cautioned that any friendly feelings would not matter when two tactical geniuses from South Africa clash in the 2027 African Cup qualifiers.
Mosimane was appointed to the national team post at the beginning of this month, returning to leadership after 14 years since his dismissal. His arrival is expected to be a factor that strengthens the solid foundation laid by Hugo Bruus and elevates 'Bafana Bafana' to a new level.
Despite the 62-year-old Mosimane receiving numerous congratulatory messages from the global football community, McCarthy deliberately refrained from publicly expressing well wishes.
In an interview with Dollar TV before assembling his 'Harambee Stars' squad for upcoming matches against Eritrea and Guinea, McCarthy explained his initial silence. He asked: 'No one congratulated me when I got the job with the Kenyan national team. So why should I congratulate other people when they get something?' he added, clarifying that he is sincerely happy for the success of others.
McCarthy insisted on the absence of animosity between himself and Mosimane, noting that mutual respect would be evident during their meetings in the two consecutive qualification rounds in November. He stated: 'As I said, on the day of our meeting, we will respect each other.' He also noted that Mosimane would likely congratulate him on his work with Kenya, and he would congratulate Coach Pitso on getting the position with 'Bafana.'
He stressed: 'There is mutual respect; he is my senior. We were very good friends from playing days until now as coaches—we were always on opposite ends in battles. We know each other well.'
It is argued that Mosimane faces higher stakes in the qualifying campaign. Since Kenya is one of the co-hosting countries for the 2027 Africa Cup alongside Tanzania and Uganda in the Pamojja region, it has already guaranteed itself automatic participation in the tournament. 'Bafana Bafana', conversely, must go through the qualifiers purely based on merit.
Nevertheless, the South African goalscoring record holder asserts that Kenya does not intend to slow down, making it clear that his focus is entirely on his employer. McCarthy added: 'The fact that I was born in South Africa, a beautiful country full of love, will always be connected to this. But I coach Kenya; there is no such thing as 'this is my country'.' He concluded: 'Unfortunately, my country did not appoint me. Therefore, my loyalty is not where I was born, but to the team that believed in me. They thought I could help them move forward in the right direction. So that is where my loyalty lies.'