Benni McCarthy ready for emotional South Africa reunion with Kenya

Benni McCarthy says he will want the best for South Africa when Kenya face Bafana Bafana, but insists his team will not make life easy for the country he once represented.

The Harambee Stars are due to meet South Africa twice during the November international break in back-to-back AFCON qualifiers. The opening match will be played at Orlando Stadium on Friday, with the return fixture taking place at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Tuesday.

The games will be particularly significant for McCarthy, who remains Bafana’s all-time leading goalscorer after scoring 31 international goals. The former striker is now in charge of Kenya and will face the nation he represented with distinction.

McCarthy said returning to Orlando Stadium would intensify the emotions surrounding the fixture, given his history at the venue.

“Mixed emotions, to be honest, because I go home to where my roots are. I go home to a place that I called home once upon a time, Orlando Stadium,” he told Sporty TV.

“I go home to adoring fans that always cheered and always supported me, no matter what. And I have always had unbelievable moments in front of them.

“Now I’m on the other side of the dugout, and I’m against everything that I have helped build to where it is now.

“So, yeah, it’s a little bit mixed emotions, but it’s a proud moment as well, because I’m still representing my country even though I’m a head coach for the opposition team.”

Despite his strong connection to South Africa, McCarthy warned Pitso Mosimane’s side that Kenya would approach both matches competitively.

“But I would want the very best for my country. But I’m definitely not going to make it that easy for them as well,” he added.

Kenya have already secured their place at the next AFCON as hosts, meaning qualification is less complicated for them than it is for South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea in the group.

McCarthy believes the fixtures will nevertheless provide valuable experience for his players against one of the continent’s leading teams.

“It’s an opportunity for our players to also play at the highest level, at a competitive level, against one of the top African countries out there at the moment. So it’s great experience, great exposure,” he said.

The Kenya coach said his players would aim to disrupt South Africa’s rhythm while carrying out their tactical plan as effectively as possible.

“So, we are going to go out there, do our very best, and give it everything we’ve got and try not to make them comfortable. And hope for the best, that’s all we can do,” McCarthy said.

“We can hope for the best, and hope we get our tactics and the team, we get that spot on. So, yeah, South Africa have to know they’re up against them.”