Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy says his technical team has not been paid for three months. He made the claim to SportyTV ahead of a double-header against South Africa in qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), Daily Maverick reported.
McCarthy also said that Kenya's players downed tools during the last international window. They refused to train because the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) had not paid their allowances and bonuses across several camps. He and his staff, including former South Africa goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs, persuaded the players to take the field. Kenya then lost 1-0 to Guinea and drew 1-1 with Eritrea. The Eritrea result angered many fans.
According to Daily Maverick, the players have since received some of the money owed to them. McCarthy said his staff are still waiting. He said some players had left themselves out of the squad because of the problems. Fans do not see this, he said, and judge only the results. "Would they do the same job for free? It's not even my country for me to be doing it for free," McCarthy said.
Kenya's place at the tournament is already secure. As co-host with Tanzania and Uganda, it will play in the finals, which run from June 19 to July 17. Confederation of African Football rules still require host nations to take part in qualifying. McCarthy has coached the Harambee Stars since March 2025.
South Africa arrive in much better shape. Under new coach Pitso Mosimane, Bafana Bafana beat Guinea 2-1 and thrashed Eritrea 5-0 in their opening Group D games. They also beat Egypt 1-0 in a friendly. Mosimane replaced Hugo Broos after the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
Mosimane said that what matters most is staying top of the group. He warned that the road ahead is long and includes an away trip to Guinea. Defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, midfielder Thalente Mbatha and striker Lyle Foster return to his squad after missing the last window.
The first match kicks off in Johannesburg on Friday at 6pm. The return leg follows in Nairobi on November 17.