Benni McCarthy has explained the decision to call up a number of international-based footballers, including the former Newcastle United winger to help his charges.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has opened up on his squad selection for the upcoming double-header of friendly matches against Chad in Morocco, highlighting the inclusion of Adam Wilson, the former Newcastle United prodigy.
McCarthy, who is using the June friendlies as a springboard for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), said his selection strategy balances giving match fitness to key players, evaluating foreign-based talent, and building toward a formidable squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya is set to co-host.
“Everyone looks very enthusiastic and in good spirits, so I hope we’re going to have a good week,” McCarthy told FKF Media. “These two friendly matches are mainly to help players build some match fitness and get us going as we prepare for CHAN.”
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Why Adam Wilson Was Called Up
Wilson, who came through the Newcastle United youth system and now plies his trade for Welsh outfit TNS on loan from League One outfit Bradford City, is one of several foreign-based players McCarthy brought into camp for further assessment.
“Adam Wilson is someone I didn’t have the luxury of getting a look at previously,” McCarthy said. “But he’s been doing absolutely brilliant for his club, and this is a good opportunity for me to see how he performs with the national team.”
The former UEFA Champions League winner stressed that Wilson’s club form, where he has scored nine league goals in 26 appearances and also featured in the UEFA Europa Conference League, warranted a national team look-in and that his experience abroad can be valuable as Kenya builds a competitive squad not only for CHAN but also for the AFCON 2027 cycle.
“We want to build a really strong squad for the upcoming games and long-term goals like AFCON 2027. That’s why players like Adam are here.”
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McCarthy also justified the inclusion of other internationals that have not been getting alot of gametime at club level, such as Timothy Ouma, Brian Mandela and Wilson Lenkupae, who scored on his international debut last March.
“Will Wilson, for example, was crucial in our two World Cup qualifying matches. But since then, he hasn’t played as much club football as he’d like. This camp gives him two good matches to stay sharp and remain involved.”
On Mandela, who features for South African outfit Stellenbosch FC, McCarthy added:
“He hasn’t played a lot either. But his presence is vital — he can marshal the younger players and guide them with his experience.”
Why Rising Stars Players Were Not Included
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Rising Stars captained by Kevin Wangaya (centre). Photo || FKF
No Rising Stars players, including Kevin Wangaya (centre) were called up for this window. Photo || FKF
Addressing the notable absence of several standout players from the U20 side that recently returned from international duty, McCarthy revealed that rest was prioritized.
“The U20s just got back from a three-week camp and a tough tournament where they played three hard matches. As young as they are, they also need a break.”
He clarified that while youth development is a focus, it must be managed wisely.
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“Yes, I want to give young players opportunities. But they also need rest. At the same time, I want to evaluate this current group and see what they can bring to the national team setup.”
McCarthy’s squad appears carefully curated — not just to fulfil friendly fixtures, but to serve long-term development and immediate competitive objectives.
“I didn’t want to pick a team just to participate and lose every game. I want to go to CHAN with the best possible squad,” he said. “I selected players with some experience — players who the young ones can learn from. That’s what guided my choices.”
As the Harambee Stars gear up for the Chad friendlies and look ahead to CHAN and beyond, it’s clear McCarthy is crafting not just a team, but a future-proofed foundation — with promising talents like Adam Wilson a central part of that vision.
