Benni McCarthy says football comes before Kenya salary dispute

Benni McCarthy says concerns over unpaid wages will not distract him from preparing Kenya for their AFCON qualifier against South Africa.

The Kenya head coach and his technical team are reportedly owed several months’ salaries, with the outstanding amount estimated at up to KSh 11 million.

McCarthy, the former Bafana Bafana striker, was speaking to the media at Orlando Stadium on Thursday, ahead of Friday evening’s match.

Asked whether the money had been paid, the 48-year-old said his priority was the responsibility of leading the team rather than his personal financial situation.

“I think the day you see me wear this, then I don’t care what goes on if I’ve got my money and it’s been like that as a player back in the days. I put on these clothes or this was what I always dreamt of becoming as a kid. So now I’m a coach now and I have the same feeling as well.

“You know, I don’t chase money. I don’t chase anything. I just make a difference in players’ lives and help them to block out everything else.”

McCarthy said his own approach could have a direct effect on the players and that he could not demand complete commitment from them while allowing the wage dispute to dominate his thoughts.

“And then I focus and I try to do the best possible version of myself for the boys. Because at the end of the day, your team is a reflection of its coach, of its leader. And if my mind is dwelling elsewhere thinking about that, how can I expect the players to give me 100% and give me everything? If my mind is thinking about, you’ve not been paid or this has not been given or that.

“So I try to be 100% on the football so that the players can see the coach is all in and then I’m going to receive exactly the same attitude from the players as well. And then afterwards we can fight for whatever it is.”