Are South African players too Comfortable at home? McCarthy thinks so

by Staff Reporter

Thursday Apr 10, 2025. 15:00

Kenya national team head coach Benni McCarthy pointed out what he admires more about Kenyan players than those from his home country, South Africa.

McCarthy noted that the mentality of Kenyan players was even better than their counterparts in South Africa, explaining their ability to take on challenges that set them apart.

The former Manchester United first team coach believes South Africa possesses abundant football talent, but players often hesitate to compete on the global stage, preferring to stay within the domestic league.

He contrasts this with Kenyan players, who actively seek opportunities to play professionally abroad, despite South African players having the potential to join top international clubs.

“In South Africa, players are exceptional talents, they have got what it takes but they are happy to stay in South Africa,” McCarthy told NTV as per Pulse Sports.

“They don’t want to move because they are in their comfort zone and for me, that is underselling yourself because in order to be the best, you have to play against the best.

“You have to test yourself against the best teams in the world, the best players in the world. In South Africa, you are not going to get that,” he added.

McCarthy contrasted this with his observations in Kenya, highlighting the differing mindsets between players from the two nations.

“And what I have experienced here in Kenya, there are so many players going to Europe so they are never afraid to step out of their comfort zone because the belief is that; ‘yes, I can achieve that, I can play in Europe, I can make it in Europe,” he said.

“And, I love that and because you see so much of that here in Kenya when you talk to the players in the national team, they have so much aspiration.”