Benni McCarthy fires warning to indisciplined Harambee Stars players
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 08.09.25. | 19:40
McCarthy said that talent alone is not enough to earn a call-up
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has outlined what it takes for players to break into the national team setup.
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Speaking on Monday ahead of Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Group F qualifier against Seychelles at Kasarani Stadium, McCarthy said that talent alone is not enough to earn a call-up.
The 2004 UEFA Champions League winner with FC Porto noted that hard work, discipline, and consistency are the pillars of a successful football career.
“You come to the national team, and if you don’t have that willingness to work hard, I will send you home.
There are other players waiting for that opportunity. Those given a chance must make it count," McCarthy told Mozzart Sport.
The former AmaZulu gaffer stressed that discipline plays a crucial role in unlocking a player’s full potential.
“A player without discipline will not achieve his goals. Some players have special skill sets, but don’t work towards improving them. Consistency and discipline make the difference,” he said.
McCarthy’s remarks come amid growing fan uproar over the omission of certain players from recent qualifiers, notably Gor Mahia playmaker Austin Odhiambo.
The 47-year-old, fresh from leading Kenya to a quarter-final berth at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), insisted he will not hesitate to drop players who fail to improve his team.
“If we don’t see hard work and consistency every time you come to the national team, you won’t improve yourself, your teammates, or the team. That brings down the standards, and we don’t need that,” he said.
“Every player selected comes on merit, not just talent. Talent opens the door, but it doesn’t take you far.
Hard work is equally important because if you’re not willing to put in the work, your talent goes nowhere.
You end up being a star in the Kenyan league, but nobody will notice you beyond that,” he added.
McCarthy, who scored 168 goals in 387 club appearances, made it clear that players unwilling to work hard will not find a place in his plans.
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