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Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy has hit out at what he considers unrealistic expectations from Kenya ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
McCarthy has been in charge of the Kenya national team since March 2025 and experienced mixed fortunes but his tactical mettle will be put to test during AFCON 2027, which Kenya will co-host with neighbours Uganda and Tanzania.
However, while the East African side have struggled in the competition, failing to get out of their group in their six AFCON appearances, and not even qualified for the last three editions, there are calls for McCarthy to make sure they reach the semi-final of next year’s tournament.
Benni slams unrealistic expectations
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Those lofty targets have left the former Cape Town City and AmaZulu coach incensed as he feels the people making such sentiments do not know the team’s shortcomings.
“What did they do in their life that they want to come and make demands. If only they knew what it takes to win. So I don’t have time for ignorant and stupid people who don’t know what it is to manage,” he told KickOff magazine.
“People mustn’t be silly. For me, I think we could have a chance to get out of the group stages because the level is high and most of our players are playing in the Kenyan league. And the Kenyan Premier League, compared to the South African League, is very low.”
Kenya’s AFCON 2027 Organising committee chairman Nicholas Musonye was the first to set the high standards in February when he said the Harambee Stars should aim for the semi-final as it is the only way to keep fans interested in the tournament.
McCarthy on what Kenya should aim at
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However, McCarthy has insisted getting out of their group should be priority before they can think of anything else, recognising some of the deficiencies within his team.
“You can’t be too ambitious and think, ‘Hey, I want to reach the semi-final’. Who are you going to beat to get there? Imagine you get Bafana Bafana or the Ivory Coast. The top two go through. Where are you going to finish? I have been in the game long enough,” added Bafana’s all-time top scorer.
“It does upset you a little bit when you hear people giving silly comments and making statements like that, thinking they know more!”
AFCON 2027 will be staged in East Africa between June 19 and July 17 next year.
