McCarthy to sing Nkosi Sikelel’ before Kenya face Bafana
Kenya coach Benni McCarthy says his loyalty to South Africa will not stop him singing the anthem before Friday's qualifier against Bafana Bafana.
Benni McCarthy will be standing on the wrong side of the touchline on Friday, but he says he will still belt out Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika before kick-off. The Kenya head coach was speaking to iDiski Times journalist Matshelana Mamabolo, in an exclusive interview, ahead of his side’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Bafana Bafana.
McCarthy turned 49 on Thursday. He holds the Bafana Bafana record for most goals, with 31 for the national team. On Friday he returns to Orlando Amstel Arena, where he played for the Buccaneers late in his career, only this time he will sit on the opposition bench.
A South African first, a Kenya coach now
McCarthy made it clear that his time in Kenyan colours has not changed how he sees himself. “I’m still a South African,” he told iDiski Times, adding that he has given a great deal to the country through football and will therefore sing the anthem.
He admitted the fixture stirs up conflicting feelings. According to McCarthy, playing against Bafana is far from simple, and the fact that South Africa is his country and his first love makes it harder still.
Even so, he stressed that his focus will be on the job he has been given. “My professional duty is to the team and country I manage,” he said, adding that emotions have to be set aside on match day. He said Kenya will aim to stay professional and put in a good performance.
Respect for the opposition
McCarthy said he cannot afford to get too emotionally attached to the occasion, because his task as Kenya’s head coach is to do whatever he can to bring success to the national side. He added that coaches have a duty to help their teams win.
While he said a victory would be wonderful, he acknowledged how tough it will be given Bafana’s standing in African football. He also spoke warmly of Coach Pitso, calling him a very respected coach and a friend.
What to know about Friday
- The match is a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Bafana Bafana and Kenya.
- It will be played on Friday at Orlando Amstel Arena.
- McCarthy will be in the Kenya dugout, not on the South African side.
Supporters at the ground can expect to see McCarthy join in the anthem before he turns his attention to getting a result for Kenya.
This story is based on reporting by iDiski Times.
