QUALIFYING PUSH: Bafana Bafana ready to tackle troubled Kenyans in key Afcon qualification clash
Pitso Mosimane’s men take on a Kenyan team marred by administrative woes that have spilled over onto the field, as revealed by current Kenya coach and Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy.
As the South African national football team, Bafana Bafana, prepare to face Kenya in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualification clash, the stakes are higher than ever. This is partly due to the turbulent situation in Kenya's football scene, which is marred by administrative woes that have spilled over onto the field. Current Kenya coach Benni McCarthy recently revealed the challenging working conditions he has faced while coaching the Harambee Stars.
Despite being assured of a spot in the 2027 Afcon due to being one of the three co-host nations alongside Tanzania and Uganda, Kenya must still participate in the qualification process as per Confederation of African Football (CAF) rules. The general consensus is that host countries do not have to navigate through qualifiers, but Kenya finds itself in a unique position.
Bafana Bafana, led by manager Pitso Mosimane, currently sits at the top of Group D after winning their first two Afcon qualification games. They beat Guinea 2-1 and then demolished Eritrea 5-0. A one-point win against Egypt in a friendly match also contributed to their impressive start. Mosimane is elated with the team's performance but acknowledges that the road ahead is long and challenging, especially with an away match against Guinea still to come.
Meanwhile, Kenya's technical staff, including McCarthy, has been under immense pressure from Kenyan soccer fans due to the team's poor results. McCarthy revealed that during the last international window, his players had refused to train because the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) had not paid their allowances and bonuses. This situation has led to the technical team being owed remuneration for three months, while the players have since received some of the money they are owed.
Mosimane's team will face Kenya in two crucial matches on November 13 and 17, 2026, in Johannesburg and Nairobi, respectively. The South Africans are determined to ride the momentum of their strong start in the qualifiers and secure the six points on offer, hoping to maintain their top position in Group D.
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