Ahead of facing South Africa on Friday, Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy says he and his staff have still not received their salaries, while the players have been paid part of their bonuses.
On Friday at 18:00, Kenya face South Africa at Orlando Stadium. Before the trip, head coach Benni McCarthy has put the issue of financial arrears back on the table. According to Africa Soccer, he and his technical staff have still not received their salaries, while the players were paid part of their bonuses before the match against Guinea.
The issue is not new. According to Daily Maverick, McCarthy revealed that during the last international window, the players refused to train because of unpaid bonuses and allowances from the Kenyan federation. A former record scorer for Bafana Bafana, he has coached Kenya since March 2025; on the opposite side, South Africa are now managed by Pitso Mosimane.
An already tense climate
Results are not easing the situation. Kenya lost 1-0 to Guinea, then were held to a 1-1 draw by Eritrea, a result that exasperated Kenyan supporters.
On salaries, McCarthy is direct: “Of course, going to Guinea, it was the same again: the players were waiting. But eventually, little by little, most of the players ended up receiving their allowances because enough pressure was put on the federation and the ministry to honour their commitments. But yes, the coach and the technical staff have still received nothing,” he told Africa Soccer.
Goalkeeping coach Moeneeb Josephs is part of that staff still waiting. McCarthy goes further: “They will have to pay, because FIFA and CAF will step in in this kind of situation.”
Onyango recalled
On the pitch, McCarthy has to work with a reshuffled squad. Gor Mahia midfielder Alpha Onyango, 25, has been recalled to replace the injured Manzur Okwaro, according to The Star Kenya, after his goal from near the halfway line against Nairobi United. The player has 5 goals in 6 SportPesa League matches this season.
“I always believe that a football match can change in a split second. You have to remain alert and take your chances whenever they come.” Onyango shared that idea with The Star Kenya, banking on vigilance and success in key moments.
Qualified, but not exempt
Kenya are already qualified for AFCON 2027 as co-hosts. But, according to Daily Maverick, CAF requires host countries to play the qualifiers. The return match will be played in Kenya on Tuesday 17 November.