'Jurgen Klopp Was Like That' - Benni McCarthy Praised by Mohammed Bajaber for Authentic Personality

Mohammed Bajaber has heaped praise on father-figure Benni McCarthy as he revealed some of the qualities that set him apart.

The Harambee Stars forward has grown to become one of Benni McCarthy’s favourite players, and he admitted that there is a lot to learn from the former Manchester United attacking coach, on and off the pitch.

Benni McCarthy's personality is characterised by his commitment to instilling a winning mentality, but also demonstrating happiness for his players' progress and showing a strong bond with them.

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However, fans have often attacked his personality, noting that he is too loving and he is not as confrontational as other coaches, but Mohammed Bajaber thinks that is okay.

The Kenya Police FC star revealed that Benni McCarthy’s personality has nothing to do with his coaching techniques and that is where most people go wrong.

He insisted that the South African native might just be after healing his inner child, since he was once a player, and maybe he never got the love that players need.

Mohammed Bajaber compared Benni McCarthy to former Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp, noting that since he started playing under him, he feels at peace.

“I feel like it’s not a style of coaching; that’s just his personality. He is a nice guy, and he was also a player at some point, and maybe he never got that embrace,” Mohammed Bajaber said on the Tiki Taka Show.

“I don’t know why people are quick to judge him, and even Jurgen Klopp was like that. He is a father figure for sure, in my first call-up, he handled me very well.”

Mohammed Bajaber added that Benni McCarthy had been a finishing coach at Manchester United, but since he started coaching Harambee Stars, it was hard to tell whether he was a finishing coach or a regular coach.

He mentioned that Benni McCarthy has great drills and tactics, and added that one unique thing about him is his ability to analyse opponents.

“Of course, KPL coaches analyse, but I don’t know if there are limitations in the country when it comes to that,” Mohammed Bajaber added.

“However, for Benni, he analyses and then shows you where you can exploit…in Kenya, you are told just before the game, and I can’t blame the coaches.”

Mohammed Bajaber’s admiration for Benni McCarthy goes beyond tactics and training as it is rooted in the coach’s authenticity, emotional intelligence, and deep understanding of the game.

While critics may question Benni McCarthy’s warm and nurturing approach, Mohammed Bajaber sees it as a strength rather than a flaw.

For him, Benni McCarthy represents a new generation of coaches who value connection as much as competition.