Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy has admitted that Pitso Mosimane has often had the upper hand in their previous encounters, but insists his side have the tactical quality to make life difficult for Bafana Bafana when the two nations meet.
The two South African coaching figures will renew their rivalry this evening when McCarthy leads Kenya against Mosimane’s Bafana side in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Orlando Amstel Arena.
McCarthy, who previously faced Mosimane during their time coaching in the Premier Soccer League, has experienced both sides of the rivalry during his coaching journey, but believes the upcoming encounter presents another opportunity to challenge one of the continent’s most respected tacticians.
Reflecting on their previous battles, the former Bafana striker acknowledged the advantages Mosimane has enjoyed throughout his coaching career, while describing Friday’s encounter as a David versus Goliath contest.
“Coach Pitso has always had the upper hand, at places that had infrastructure, the best of everything and for as a young coach, I tried to give my best, stay true to myself, go out there and play the best way I can and make it difficult for who you’re up against,” McCarthy said.
“Sometimes we were fortunate, sometimes we weren’t as fortunate, tomorrow [today, Friday] is one of those cases, David vs Goliath and unfortunately I seem to be David, I’m never Goliath – you know, so tomorrow will be another battle.”
Despite acknowledging the challenge awaiting his team, McCarthy was quick to underline his belief in Kenya’s tactical capabilities and their ability to trouble the hosts.
The former Manchester United first-team coach believes that if his players execute their game plan effectively, they can make the encounter considerably more difficult for Mosimane’s charges.
“Tactically I have a strong team, I have a good team and if we get things right, we can give them a run for their money tomorrow,” he added.
Bafana will be looking to make home advantage count against a Kenyan side eager to upset the odds, with the reunion between two of South African football’s most recognisable coaching personalities adding another intriguing subplot to Friday’s encounter.