McCarthy concedes Mosimane has edge ahead of Kenya v Bafana
Kenya coach Benni McCarthy admits Bafana Bafana boss Pitso Mosimane has usually come out on top between them, but says his team can still cause problems.
Benni McCarthy has acknowledged that Pitso Mosimane has generally held the advantage whenever the two coaches have gone head to head. He maintains, however, that Kenya have the tactical ability to make things uncomfortable for Bafana Bafana, iDiski Times reported.
McCarthy, who coaches Kenya, will face Mosimane’s Bafana side today (Friday) at Orlando Amstel Arena. The match is part of the qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
A familiar rivalry
The two coaches know each other well from their time working in the Premier Soccer League. McCarthy has been on both the winning and losing side in those meetings, and he sees this fixture as another chance to test himself against an experienced rival.
The former Bafana striker said Mosimane has often worked at clubs with strong infrastructure and plenty of resources. By comparison, McCarthy described his own approach as a young coach as trying to stay true to himself and make life hard for opponents.
“Coach Pitso has always had the upper hand,” McCarthy said. He added that results had gone both ways over the years, with his side sometimes fortunate and sometimes not.
McCarthy described the occasion as a “David vs Goliath” contest and joked that he always seems to be cast as David, never Goliath.
Kenya believe they can cause problems
Even so, McCarthy made it clear he is not travelling to simply make up the numbers. The former Manchester United first-team coach said he has a strong, well-organised group and believes it can trouble the hosts if the plan is carried out properly.
He said that if Kenya get things right, they can “give them a run for their money”.
Bafana, for their part, will want to make use of playing at home. The match also brings together two coaches who are both well known in South African football, which adds a personal storyline to the qualifier.
What to know
- The match is today, Friday 13 November, at Orlando Amstel Arena.
- It is a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, so the result counts in the race to reach the tournament.
- Kenya are coached by Benni McCarthy, while Pitso Mosimane leads Bafana Bafana.
This story is based on reporting by iDiski Times.
