Kenya national team coach Benni McCarthy has opened up about the criticism surrounding his selection of certain players for the AFCON qualifiers.
Harambee Stars began their qualifying campaign with a 1-1 draw against Eritrea on Saturday, with McCarthy already under pressure as Kenya prepares for the continental showpiece, where it will be one of the host nations.
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Despite the criticism, McCarthy has stood by players such as Bryne Omonde and Mohammed Bajaber, whose call-ups have been questioned by some fans.
The 2004 UEFA Champions League winner says his experience at the highest level of the game gives him confidence in his decisions.
McCarthy believes the choices he makes are ultimately benefiting the team, including the involvement of players who may not have widespread support among fans.
“What can I say? If you played in the [UEFA] Champions League final, won it, you know football,” said McCarthy.
“If you haven’t, [indicating shut your mouth], enjoy it. That’s why as a coach you make those decisions.
“Since as a coach he [Bryne Omonde] has come in. When I look at him, I always see the stature of someone like Denis Onyango.
“He reminds me a lot of Denis Onyango at his time at Sundowns, big stature. Every single day in training, even during CHAN, he was exceptional.
“I couldn’t understand how he was still playing in the Kenyan League. I thought he’s a goalkeeper that can play in Europe, Egypt, Morocco and South African league.
“He gets criticised for whatever reason. We’re even criticised for selecting Mohammed Bajaber and when he came on, he was a game changer.
“And these are all players that Kenyan fans don’t want but when they play for the national team, they don’t disappoint. When you played Champions League, you know.”