McCarthy warns South Africa as Kenya prepare for AFCON qualifiers

Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy has warned South Africa that his side will not make life easy for Bafana Bafana when the two countries meet in their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header.

South Africa will host Kenya at the Orlando Stadium on Friday, 13 November, before travelling to Nairobi for the return fixture four days later.

The two matches will be particularly significant for McCarthy, who enjoyed a distinguished playing career with Bafana Bafana and remains a celebrated figure in South African football.

The former South Africa international admitted that facing his home country, particularly at a venue where he enjoyed some memorable moments, would bring mixed emotions.

However, he insists that his responsibilities as Kenya coach will take priority, despite his emotional connection to the country and its supporters.

Speaking in an interview with Sporty TV, McCarthy reflected on the significance of returning to Orlando Stadium, where he once represented South Africa.

“Mixed emotions because I go home to where my roots are. I go to a place that I once called home, Orlando Stadium. I go home to adoring fans that always cheered and supported me no matter what,” he said.

“I’ve always had unbelievable moments in front of them. Now, I’m on another side of the dugout. I’m against everything that I’ve helped build to where it is now.”

McCarthy, however, was quick to stress that sentiment would not influence his approach to the encounters, insisting that Kenya would compete with determination.

Although Kenya have already secured automatic qualification for the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts, the former Manchester United striker says his team remain determined to make a strong statement against their southern African neighbours.

“While it’s mixed emotions, it’s proud moments because I’m still representing my country, even though I’m a head coach for the opposition team,” he added.

“But I’d want the very best for my country, but I’ll definitely not make it easy for them as we are hosting the AFCON next.

“We’ll go out there and give everything we’ve got. We will try not to make them comfortable and just hope for the best.”

The upcoming double-header will offer McCarthy an opportunity to test his team against one of Africa’s established sides while returning to familiar territory in South Africa.