‘Is it worth it?’ – Benni McCarthy exposes Kenya’s growing football crisis

Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy has revealed he and members of his technical team have been working without valid permits, 18 months into his tenure, adding to growing concerns over preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The former Blackburn Rovers striker, appointed Kenya manager in March 2025, disclosed that the unresolved immigration issue has left him and some of his staff in an uncomfortable position.

McCarthy’s revelation comes as Kenya prepares for the 2027 AFCON, which it will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania. Although the Harambee Stars have already secured qualification as hosts, they are still participating in the qualifying campaign.

According to the Lancashire Telegraph, McCarthy has yet to receive a work permit despite spending around 18 months in charge of the national team.

The South African also revealed that the issue extends to members of his backroom staff, creating uncertainty around their ability to operate formally within the country.

The Football Kenya Federation has acknowledged the situation and said the work permit matter is being addressed.

Players also frustrated over unpaid bonuses

McCarthy’s concerns go beyond his own employment status.

The 48-year-old disclosed that some of his players have boycotted training sessions after failing to receive payments they were promised for previous national team camps.

“For four to five camps, not receiving a cent of what was promised, of course, as a human being you will be like, is it worth it? Is it okay for the national team? Therefore, it becomes hard to manage players who have not been paid.”

The former Manchester United coach said he understands why the players have become frustrated by the situation.

“I understand the players’ frustrations, and they have had to make other arrangements.”

The payment dispute presents another challenge for McCarthy as he attempts to build a settled squad ahead of Kenya’s preparations for the continental tournament.

The Football Kenya Federation has said it remains focused on supporting the players ahead of the upcoming qualifiers while working to resolve the outstanding issues.

AFCON 2027 preparations under scrutiny

Kenya’s preparations carry additional significance because the country will host the 2027 AFCON alongside Tanzania and Uganda.

The tournament is scheduled for June and July next year, giving McCarthy and his team limited time to establish a competitive side before the continental showpiece.

Kenya will nevertheless continue in the AFCON qualifying process despite already securing a place at the tournament as one of the hosts.

The Harambee Stars are in a group with South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea and are due to begin their six-match qualifying campaign against Eritrea in Nairobi.

The unresolved administrative issues come at a crucial stage for McCarthy, who is expected to oversee Kenya’s development into a competitive host nation.

McCarthy’s coaching journey

McCarthy arrived at Blackburn in 2006 after establishing himself as one of South Africa’s leading forwards.

His European career began with Ajax in 1997 before spells with Porto and other clubs. During his playing career, he won league titles in the Netherlands, Portugal and South Africa and scored 31 goals in 79 appearances for Bafana Bafana.

He later played for West Ham United before returning home, where he won the Premier Soccer League with Orlando Pirates in 2012.

After retiring, McCarthy moved into coaching, working with Hibernian in Scotland and AmaZulu in South Africa before joining Manchester United as a first-team coach in 2022.

His appointment as Kenya head coach represented his first major international management role.

But with the 2027 AFCON approaching, the former Blackburn star now faces challenges away from the pitch, with work permits and player payments adding pressure to his efforts to prepare Kenya for the tournament.