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Homeboyz owner Shimanyula demands sacking of Stars coach McCarthy
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 28.11.25. | 13:46
He claimed the coach had shown a lack of commitment to the national team in the days leading up to the match
Kakamega Homeboyz owner Cleophas Shimanyula has called for the immediate dismissal of Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy following Kenya’s devastating 8-0 defeat to Senegal during the November international break, the heaviest loss of McCarthy’s coaching career.
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The drubbing, delivered by a ruthless Senegalese side in Turkey, has triggered widespread criticism, with Shimanyula emerging as the most vocal football figure demanding change.
Speaking to Flashscore, Shimanyula said the humiliating performance was unacceptable.
“It was a very painful defeat. We have not lost like this in a long time. We don’t deserve to lose like this; it was shameful,” he said.
Shimanyula claimed the coach had shown a lack of commitment to the national team in the days leading up to the match.
“The coach was missing in training before the team left for Turkey. He was not around and only met the players in Turkey. Is the coach really committed to his work?” he questioned.
He further criticized McCarthy’s professionalism, arguing that the South African tactician had abandoned his duties when the team needed him most.
“A coach who loves his job needs to stay with the players for as long as possible. I was shocked to see the assistant coach handling training sessions before the team left. That was very unprofessional from McCarthy; he should have been present to prepare the team,” Shimanyula said.
The Homeboyz boss urged the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to make sweeping changes.
“For now, I propose that FKF go out and get a new coach. In my opinion, a local coach can do better. We need to trust a local coach, give him support, and let him work freely,” he added.
Shimanyula also took issue with McCarthy’s squad selection, accusing him of favoritism and ignoring players from clubs performing well in the league, including his own.
“The coach keeps calling the same players. Everyone in Kenya already knows who will be selected in every squad. This kills competition and kills the team,” he said.
“Most players in the current squad are guaranteed a starting role. That creates laxity. Competition in every position is what will push players to perform.”
The 8–0 defeat is one of the worst in Harambee Stars’ modern history. Kenya’s heaviest-ever loss came in 1961 when they were beaten 13–2 by Ghana in a Jamhuri Day friendly.
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