Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has raised concerns over three months of unpaid salary arrears affecting players and the technical bench, urging the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to settle outstanding payments ahead of Kenya’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) double-header against South Africa.
The South African football legend confirmed that players and members of the technical bench were owed salaries and allowances dating back to September, with the situation threatening to disrupt preparations for the upcoming fixtures.
Speaking to Sporty TV, as quoted by Mozzart Sports, McCarthy said the technical staff had received nothing, but maintained that the team's immediate responsibility was to represent Kenya professionally.
He warned that football governing bodies FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) could be called upon to intervene should the federation and relevant authorities fail to address the outstanding payments.
McCarthy insisted that despite the financial challenges, his priority remained improving the players and ensuring Kenya's football fortunes were better than when he took over.
The coach had raised similar concerns in October during Kenya's AFCON qualifying campaign against Eritrea and Guinea, when Harambee Stars players reportedly downed their tools over unpaid arrears.
Kenya drew 1-1 against Eritrea at Nyayo Stadium before suffering a 1-0 defeat to Guinea.
McCarthy disclosed that he had personally persuaded the players to resume training ahead of the Eritrea fixture, insisting that financial disputes should not interfere with their professional responsibilities.
He also revealed that pressure exerted on FKF and the Ministry of Sports eventually resulted in most players receiving their allowances ahead of the Guinea encounter.
Meanwhile, McCarthy has admitted to experiencing mixed emotions ahead of Kenya's meeting with South Africa, his country of birth, describing the fixture as a proud but emotionally challenging moment.
The former Manchester United assistant coach said returning to South Africa brought memories of his playing career, particularly his experiences at Orlando Stadium, where he enjoyed tremendous support from fans.
However, McCarthy maintained that he would not make things easy for Bafana Bafana despite his personal attachment to the country, insisting that his responsibility was to represent Kenya and compete for victory.
McCarthy has already named his final squad for the two-legged encounter, with Kenya set to face South Africa at Orlando Stadium on Friday, November 13, before hosting the return leg at Nyayo Stadium on Tuesday, November 17.
The squad includes goalkeepers Byrne Omondi, Faruk Shikhalo, Ian Otieno and Brian Bwire.
Defenders selected are Vincent Harper, Stanley Wilson, Eric Ouma, Abud Omar, Amos Wanjala, Frank Odhiambo, Sylvester Owino, Ronney Onyango and Hannif Wesonga.
The midfield department features Manzur Okwaro, Henry Ochieng, Zak Vyner and Alwyn Tera, while the attacking options include Will Lenkupae, Mohammed Bajaber, Ben Stanley, Job Ochieng, Adam Wilson, Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam and Micah Obiero.
The upcoming fixtures are expected to provide a significant test for McCarthy's side as Kenya seeks to strengthen its competitive standing against one of Africa's established football nations.
