Benni McCarthy Called to Drop Michael Olunga in Major Harambee Stars Squad Overhaul

Harambee Stars head coach, Benni McCarthy, is facing calls to overhaul his squad ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The South African tactician has been urged to consider replacing senior players like captain Michael Olunga, particularly with World Cup hopes now effectively out of reach for Kenya.

Kenya’s hopes for qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been dashed, leaving McCarthy with a crucial task of recalibrating his squad for the 2024 CHAN tournament, which is set to take place in August.

The competition, featuring host nations Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, offers an opportunity to nurture and showcase local talent.

It is against this backdrop that former Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidential candidate, Tom Alila, has urged McCarthy to build a new team based on young, homegrown players.

According to Alila, the time has come for McCarthy to focus on developing the next generation of Kenyan footballers.

"The national coach must now focus on young, local players. CHAN is the right platform for them. Someone like Olunga is experienced, yes, but it’s time we build the next generation," Alila told Citizen Digital.

"The coach must scout our leagues and give local players a chance."

Despite the calls for change, McCarthy has remained a strong supporter of Michael Olunga, who has been a pivotal figure in Kenya's national team .

The Harambee Stars’ captain’s leadership and goal-scoring prowess have earned him admiration from McCarthy, who has previously praised him as Kenya's best striker.

In response to the calls for Olunga's exclusion, McCarthy has firmly backed the striker, emphasizing that any player looking to replace him must prove themselves on the field.

"Other players will have to show more if they want to take him out. He is a fantastic leader and a fantastic scorer," McCarthy stated stated as previously reported Pulse Sports.

The debate surrounding Olunga's place in the team reflects a broader tension between the need for experience and the push for youth development within the Harambee Stars.

While Olunga's contribution to the national team is undeniable, the focus on nurturing local talent for the CHAN tournament may signal a shift towards a more long-term approach in Kenyan football.

With the 2024 CHAN tournament fast approaching, McCarthy faces a delicate balancing act.

The tactician must prepare a squad that can not only compete in the regional showpiece but also lay the foundation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

As the calls for change grow louder, it remains to be seen how McCarthy will navigate this pivotal moment in his tenure as coach of the Harambee Stars.