McCarthy renews Mosimane rivalry as Kenya face South Africa in AFCON qualifier

Benni McCarthy is preparing for another competitive meeting with Pitso Mosimane when Kenya face South Africa in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Orlando Stadium later today.

The coaches have crossed paths in fierce contests during their spells at Cape Town City, AmaZulu and Mamelodi Sundowns. McCarthy, now in charge of Kenya, accepts Mosimane has often held the advantage, but believes his side can still produce a surprise against Bafana Bafana.

“Coach Pitso has always had the upper hand. He’s always been at places that had greater infrastructure and the best of everything, and for me as a young coach I always tried to give my best in order to make it difficult for whoever we were up against, and sometimes we were fortunate to get good results,” McCarthy said.

“Tomorrow is another case of David vs Goliath, and unfortunately I always seem to be on the side of David.”

McCarthy was named coach of the season in 2018/2019 after finishing second behind Mosimane in the league. Their latest meeting comes as Kenya prepare for the PAMOJA AFCON, which the country will co-host.

Kenya have already qualified automatically for the tournament, their first appearance as hosts of the East African event in 52 years. However, their start in Group D has been difficult. They drew at home against Eritrea before suffering a narrow defeat away to Guinea in Conakry.

Despite qualification being secured, McCarthy insists his squad must still demonstrate its quality.

The build-up to the match has also been dominated by reports that McCarthy and his full South African technical team were owed salaries by the Kenyan government and the Kenyan Football Federation (FKF). Reports from a few days ago said the outstanding payments had since been settled.

McCarthy’s connection with South Africa remains strong. He is Bafana Bafana’s all-time leading scorer with 31 goals and the only South African to win the UEFA Champions League title, with FC Porto.

But the former Hanover Park star says his feelings for his country will not affect his approach when Kenya meet the hosts.

“The emotion died the day I decided to hang up my boots, now it’s just memories of a great time. I’m not expecting people to cheer for me because what happens in the past stays in the past. I’m now part of the opposition and we are looking to defeat the hosts.”

McCarthy is also developing a squad for next year’s AFCON, although some of his younger players were unavailable for this match because they are representing the U/23 team.

The 49-year-old, who celebrated his birthday yesterday, says the situation requires him to focus on the wider objectives of the Kenyan project.