Mngomeni urges Bafana Bafana to ignore Benni McCarthy focus and concentrate on Kenya

Thabo Mngomeni has urged Bafana Bafana to put the attention on Kenya rather than Benni McCarthy as they prepare for two qualification matches for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

South Africa face Kenya at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday before travelling to Nairobi for the return fixture at Nyayo National Stadium four days later.

Much of the build-up has focused on the meeting between Kenya coach Benni McCarthy and South Africa manager Pitso Mosimane. McCarthy is South Africa’s all-time leading goalscorer, but former Bafana midfielder Mngomeni believes that emphasis risks distracting from the players who will decide the matches.

“Tomorrow’s match seems tough to us fans because we’re looking too much at the big achievements in Benni McCarthy’s football career, but we shouldn’t forget that Pitso is a master in this game,” Mngomeni told KickOff.

Mngomeni said he had confidence in Mosimane’s plans and expected the coach to ensure his squad remained focused on the challenge posed by Kenya.

“Personally, I trust Pitso. I think the team he is putting together will make us happy. He will motivate the boys to forget about Benni and focus on Kenya,” he said.

The former international added that the contest would be settled by the players on the pitch, rather than the two coaches on the touchline.

“The coaches will be outside the pitch. What matters and what will determine the result are the players on the pitch,” said Mngomeni.

He also believes South Africa have the stronger squad and should be capable of controlling the tie, despite the attention given to McCarthy during the build-up.

“In terms of football and playing personnel, I think we are ahead of Kenya. We should overpower them,” he said.

Mngomeni suggested that the lack of discussion about Kenya’s playing group could indicate uncertainty over the team’s strengths, with the focus instead remaining on the former Bafana striker now involved in the opposition dugout.

“All we hear about them is Benni, Benni, not how strong their team is. That leaves a lot of questions about their team if they are going to rely on someone who will be sitting outside,” he added.

The first match of the two-game sequence kicks off at 18:00.