Kenya national team head coach Benni McCarthy has opened up about the emotions of facing his home country ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Bafana Bafana.
Also see: Benni McCarthy assumes new Kenyan coaching role
The former South African international confirmed that despite now coaching Kenya, he will still sing the South African national anthem when the two countries meet.
“I’m still a South African, and I have done a great deal for my country when it comes to football, so I will sing my national anthem,” Benni said in an exclusive interview with iDiski Times.
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Benni McCarthy admits facing Bafana comes with mixed emotions
Benni acknowledged that taking on South Africa would be an emotional experience, describing the country as his first love.
“Eish, facing Bafana ain’t no easy task and all the emotions that come with it. It’s a mixed emotion feeling, to be honest. It’s my country and my first love that makes it ever so hard,” he said.
The 49-year-old has a rich history with Bafana Bafana, having represented South Africa during his playing career. He remains the national team’s all-time leading goalscorer, with 31 international goals.
His return to familiar territory will therefore carry special significance, although this time he will be on the opposing bench as Kenya’s head coach, reported Mozart Sport Kenya.
Also see: Bafana Bafana vs Kenya: South Africa’s unbeaten head-to-head record
Professional duty comes first for Kenya coach
Despite his strong connection to South Africa, Benni made it clear that his responsibilities to Kenya would take priority once the match begins.
He explained that his emotions would have to be put aside as he focuses on helping the Harambee Stars secure a positive result.
“But my professional duty is to the team and country I manage, so all the emotions go out the window. We will do our very best to maintain the utmost professionalism and give a good account of ourselves,” he said.
Benni added to iDiski Times that he could not afford to become too emotionally invested because his responsibility was to bring success to the Kenyan national team.
He also acknowledged the challenge of facing Bafana Bafana, praising their status in African football and expressing respect for South Africa’s coach, Pitso Mosimane, whom he described as a respected coach and friend.
Bafana Bafana prepare for Kenya showdown
The first meeting between South Africa and Kenya is scheduled for Friday, 13 November 2026, at Orlando Amstel Arena in Johannesburg, with kick-off at 18:00.
The teams will meet again in Nairobi on Tuesday, 17 November, for the return fixture. The double-header forms part of the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign. While Kenya have already secured their place at the tournament as co-hosts, the fixtures remain an opportunity for Benni’s side to test themselves against South Africa.
For Benni, the first encounter will be more than just another match. It will see him face the country where he made his name as a footballer, while carrying the responsibility of leading Kenya from the opposite dugout.
Featured image: Instagram/@bennimac17
Also see: Bafana Bafana gets ready for the match against Kenya
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