McCarthy: Rome wasn't built in a day, Harambee Stars needs time to win

Harambee Stars head Coach Benni McCarthy instruct players against Gabon in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match at the Nyayo stadium, March 23, 2025. Gabon won 2-1. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has fired back at critics after their disappointing 0-0 draw with Chad over the weekend, as he called for calm and time as Kenya prepares to face Chad in a rematch today from 6pm at Marrakech Stadium in Morocco.

McCarthy called on the fans and media to back down because there is no magic wand that can turn Harambee Stars into galacticos in a day but rather it will take some time to build a team that understands each other and can play to international standards.

 “I want Kenyans to understand that we have players here at the national team who have never played together. In fact, majority are local players who must acclimatize to the international standards, training sessions that they are currently going through,” said the Bafana Bafana legend.

“I don’t have a magic wand that can turn these players into pros in a day. It takes time to build team chemistry, an understanding and mentality. We must be patient when we need results.”

The former Manchester United tactician said he aims to build a strong team for CHAN that kicks off in August.

Center back Brian Mandela added that Harambee Stars lacked composure at the front during their Saturday encounter with Chad but have now worked on that ahead of the rematch.

“We need to take our chances and score with our opportunities. During international matches, if you don’t score you lose. Chances are not easy to come by,” said the South African defender.

McCarthy is yet to win any of his matches in charge.

His first two games ended in a 3-3 draw against The Gambia and a 2-1 defeat to Gabon in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.