AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Pitso Mosimane warns Bafana Bafana against Benni McCarthy’s wounded Kenya

Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has warned his players against underestimating Kenya, insisting that Benni McCarthy’s uncertain future as Harambee Stars coach could make the East Africans particularly dangerous ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

South Africa host Kenya at Orlando Stadium on Friday, with Mosimane expecting a difficult contest against a side that has already secured qualification for the continental tournament as co-hosts.

Although Kenya have nothing to lose in the qualification campaign, Mosimane believes their circumstances could inspire a strong response, particularly with McCarthy under pressure following a series of inconsistent results.

The former Manchester United striker, who remains Bafana Bafana’s all-time leading goalscorer, will be eager to make a statement against his former national team as he continues his coaching career with the Harambee Stars.

Mosimane believes the possibility of McCarthy fighting to protect his position could galvanise the Kenyan players and produce an unexpected challenge for his team.

Mosimane wary of McCarthy-inspired Kenya threat

Mosimane has urged South Africa to approach the encounter with caution, warning that teams playing under emotional circumstances can be difficult opponents.

With McCarthy reportedly facing scrutiny over his recent results, the Bafana coach believes his players must be prepared for a determined Kenyan side looking to rally behind their manager.

“When a player or a coach’s future depends on a game, you have to be very careful,” Mosimane told reporters. “Sometimes the players rally around their coach, and you can get the biggest surprise you could ever imagine.

“You have to be very careful when playing against an emotional team, especially one that has nothing to lose. Kenya are already qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations finals, so we have to be mindful of that. We are taking absolutely nothing for granted.

“You know Benni’s personality and character. He has that will to win, that fighting spirit. He fights for his name and his reputation, and you have to respect that.”

Kenya’s qualification as co-hosts means Friday’s encounter will not determine their participation at the 2027 tournament, but Mosimane expects them to approach the fixture with considerable motivation.

Mosimane hails McCarthy’s Manchester United experience

The Bafana coach also acknowledged McCarthy’s credentials, highlighting his experience at the highest levels of football as both a player and a coach.

Mosimane, who previously worked alongside the former striker in the Bafana Bafana technical setup towards the end of his playing career, believes his achievements demand respect.

McCarthy enjoyed an illustrious playing career, winning the UEFA Champions League with Porto in 2004 before moving into coaching.

His coaching journey has also included a spell at Manchester United, where he worked with the club’s attacking players during the 2022/23 season.

“Benni is a good coach. He was coaching at Manchester United, which is a dream for any coach in South Africa. He was coaching Cristiano Ronaldo, so you have to respect the level at which he has coached,” Mosimane said.

“You also have to respect the level at which he played. He has a Champions League winner’s medal. That tells you the kind of person we are talking about, someone with a fighting personality who wants to win at all costs. We have to respect that.”

European-based Kenyan players add to Bafana’s concerns

Mosimane has further cautioned against judging Kenya solely on their recent results, pointing to the quality of players representing the country in several European leagues.

The coach believes the Harambee Stars possess enough individual talent to trouble South Africa and has urged his players to avoid complacency.

“They have players who play in England, Spain, Wales, Sweden and France. You have to be very careful about underestimating teams like that.

“We should also learn from Cabo Verde qualifying for the World Cup. You have to respect every opponent. Everything is decided on the pitch, and until the referee blows the final whistle, you cannot say you have won the game.”

Mosimane also drew on his own coaching experiences to explain why South Africa must not allow perceptions about an opponent’s strength or position to influence their approach.

“I have lost many games in my career against teams that were at the bottom of the league, the so-called minnows that nobody saw coming.

“That is why you have to respect every opponent. It doesn’t matter what people say about a team or what their situation is. You have to go onto the pitch and do your job.”

With Kenya already assured of a place at the 2027 AFCON, South Africa will nevertheless face a side motivated to make an impression, particularly with McCarthy keen to strengthen his standing as head coach.

Mosimane’s warning is clear: Bafana Bafana cannot afford to take their opponents lightly when the two sides meet at Orlando Stadium.