Benni McCarthy defends Kenya squad choices after Eritrea draw

Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy has defended his selection decisions after criticism from supporters, insisting his experience at the highest level of football gives him confidence in choosing players for the Harambee Stars.

Kenya opened their AFCON qualifying campaign with a 1-1 draw against Eritrea on Saturday, a result that has increased the pressure on McCarthy as the country prepares for the continental showpiece, where Kenya will be one of the host nations.

Among the players whose inclusion has been questioned are Bryne Omonde and Mohammed Bajaber. McCarthy, however, remains convinced that both can make an important contribution to the national team.

The coach, who won the 2004 UEFA Champions League, said his playing career had helped shape the authority with which he makes decisions.

“What can I say? If you played in the [UEFA] Champions League final, won it, you know football,” said McCarthy.

“If you haven’t, [indicating shut your mouth], enjoy it. That’s why as a coach you make those decisions.”

McCarthy was particularly strong in his defence of goalkeeper Omonde, saying the player’s physical presence and performances had reminded him of former South Africa international Denis Onyango during his time at Mamelodi Sundowns.

“Since as a coach he [Bryne Omonde] has come in. When I look at him, I always see the stature of someone like Denis Onyango,” McCarthy said.

“He reminds me a lot of Denis Onyango at his time at Sundowns, big stature. Every single day in training, even during CHAN, he was exceptional.”

The former striker said Omonde’s continued presence in the Kenyan league had surprised him, arguing that the goalkeeper had the ability to play abroad.

“I couldn’t understand how he was still playing in the Kenyan League. I thought he’s a goalkeeper that can play in Europe, Egypt, Morocco and South African league,” he added.

Omonde has nevertheless faced criticism from some Kenya supporters, something McCarthy believes is undeserved. He also pointed to Bajaber’s performance against Eritrea as evidence that players who attract opposition from fans can still influence matches positively.

“He gets criticised for whatever reason. We’re even criticised for selecting Mohammed Bajaber and when he came on, he was a game changer,” said McCarthy.

“And these are all players that Kenyan fans don’t want but when they play for the national team, they don’t disappoint. When you played Champions League, you know.”