Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy believes Kenya’s national team has what it takes to succeed on the international stage, following their qualification to the quarter-finals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 PAMOJA tournament.

Kenya booked their place in the last eight without playing, thanks to Group A results on Thursday, August 14, 2025. Morocco beat Zambia 2-1 in Nairobi, while DR Congo defeated Angola 2-0. The results meant Kenya’s seven points from their opening three matches were enough to guarantee a top-two finish, regardless of Sunday’s final group clash against Zambia.

Speaking on Saturday, August 16, McCarthy expressed pride in the squad’s progress since the start of the tournament.

“My squad has evolved over this tournament. I went to watch them at their clubs and you could see raw talent, but also a lot of potential,” he said. “When we came together, we grew strong and built a real bond. Day by day, the players have grown. If I am honest, I think my team is good enough now to move on to the international stage.”

The South African coach stressed that the key to Kenya’s development lies in the players’ mentality.

“They are willing to learn, to improve, and they work hard. Every day in training, I see them getting better. As a coach, nothing is more pleasing,” he added.

McCarthy backs Stars’ readiness

McCarthy acknowledged that the international stage is highly demanding, but argued that many Harambee Stars players are ready for the challenge.

“From this squad, there’s a good healthy number I will take onto the international scene. They have shown they can handle themselves,” he said.

Kenya currently tops Group A with seven points. A win against already-eliminated Zambia at Kasarani on Sunday, August 17, would see the Stars finish with 10 points.

Reflecting on his coaching philosophy, McCarthy drew inspiration from Cristiano Ronaldo.

“I don’t chase history; I do the hard work and let history chase me,” he noted. “It’s the same with my players. If they keep improving and working hard, results will follow.”

For McCarthy, the focus is not only on results but also on giving Kenyan players a platform to develop.

“They’ve risen to the occasion and now they can push for bigger and better leagues, while making their own lives better,” he concluded.