President William Ruto Adds Goodies For Stars, Coach Benni McCarthy’s Lessons From Mourinho

By Dennis Mabuka

President William Ruto has maintained his Harambee Stars charm offensive by pledging a further Sh2.5 million-per-player reward should the home team defeat Zambia in their final Group ‘A’ game at Kasarani on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Kenyan national team’s head coach Benni McCarthy has explained how playing under José Mourinho during his time at FC Porto inspired Harambee Stars to secure a vital 1-0 victory against Morocco in last weekend’s fixture at Kasarani Stadium.
Playing their third CHAN match under a sold-out crowd, Kenya produced a statement result over the two-time champions despite playing the entire second half with 10 men. 

After Ryam Ogam put Harambee Stars ahead in the 42nd minute, they were forced to defend the lead with remarkable resolve after Chrispine Erambo’s red card – upgraded by VAR in first-half stoppage time – left the East African nation with 10 men.
Erambo, who plays locally for Tusker FC and was among the new players handed starting roles by McCarthy, had initially been booked for a foul on Anas El Mahraoui, only for VAR to upgrade the decision to a straight red card.
However, despite the sending off, Kenya defied the odds to end Morocco’s unbeaten CHAN record, and take control of Group A. 

Goalkeeper and man-of-the-match, Bryne Omondi, produced superb saves to deny Morocco, who opened with a 2-0 defeat of Angola and arrived on a 14-match unbeaten CHAN run, and was named the man of the match at the final whistle.
This was the second game Kenya was playing with 10 men at CHAN under McCarthy. Against Angola, Kenya saw midfielder Marvin Nabwire sent off just moments after Austin Odhiambo had scored from the penalty spot to cancel out Jo Paciencia’s opener for the Palancas Negras.

President Ruto had rewarded the Stars’ squad with Sh1 million each for their win over DR Congo in the tournament opener on August 3 and also handed them Sh500 each for the draw against Angola and a further Sh1 million each for taming Morocco.

“We’ve also agreed on rewards: A win against Zambia next Sunday will earn each player Sh2.5 million. If they triumph in the quarter-finals, each will be gifted Sh1 million and a two-bedroom affordable housing unit in a location of their choice,” the President pledged as he visited the Harambee Stars camp on Monday, stressing that the team had helped unite Kenyans.

“Unity has always propelled us forward. We must never allow negativity, failure, or doubt to prevent us from reaching our full potential. If we believe in ourselves and refuse to let division or hate enter the equation, Kenya can become the great nation we all dream of,” President Ruto said.

“The Harambee Stars are proof of what unity can achieve. They have brought the country together and we are all witnessing the success it is bringing to the nation. We stand behind you, praying that this time we win will CHAN because it’s within close reach,” the Head of State added.

McCarthy, a former South Africa “Bafana Bafana” striker, played for Porto under Mourinho between 2003 and 2006 where he managed to score 46 goals from 85 appearances. 

For the 2003-04 Primeira Liga season, he earned the Golden Boot award (with 20 goals in 23 matches) on the season’s final matchday with a hat-trick, and was instrumental in Porto’s run in the 2003-04 UEFA Champions League, which they won.
McCarthy scored two goals against Manchester United to defeat them in the second round. According to McCarthy, playing under the Portuguese manager helped him to understand how to handle difficult situations where a team is reduced to 10 men.
“I’m not sure if you remember, I played under a certain coach, José Mourinho was the master of that,” McCarthy told reporters after the game. 

“As a player playing in a team that plays with 10 men, I’m telling you, it is hell. It is hell, but we used to manage it perfectly like it was our everyday thing.
“You know, like we were a team that played with 10 men instead of 11. So I’ve learned the trades and the tricks of working with Mourinho, where you adjust, and who do you sacrifice.
“And unfortunately, it’s not going to be pretty for the fans because they want to see attacking football. But then you think about what is most important to protect your goals. If you are in the lead, you protect at all costs.”
He concluded: “Sometimes defenders have to play midfield jobs or striker jobs, and that was the art that I’ve learned playing under José.”
The win put Kenya on the verge of a historic quarter-final place, while Morocco’s hopes of advancing now rest on recovering in their final two group matches against Zambia and DR Congo. (Additional reporting by Elias Makori)