Benni McCarthy makes emotional admission ahead of South Africa clash

Benni McCarthy will be on the opposing bench when Kenya face South Africa, but one part of Friday's occasion will remain deeply personal for the former Bafana Bafana striker.

McCarthy confirms he will sing South African anthem

Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy has confirmed that he will sing the South African national anthem before Friday's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Bafana Bafana.

The former South Africa international, who turned 49 on Thursday, remains the country's all-time leading goalscorer with 31 goals.

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Speaking during the pre-match press conference, McCarthy made it clear that his appointment as Kenya coach has not changed his connection to his homeland.

“I'm still a South African, and I have done a great deal for my country when it comes to football, so I will sing my national anthem,” he said.

'My professional duty is to Kenya'

Despite his emotional connection to South Africa, McCarthy insisted that he would put his responsibilities as Kenya coach ahead of personal feelings.

“Eish, facing Bafana ain't no easy task and all the emotions that come with it. It's a mixed emotion feeling, to be honest. It's my country and my first love that makes it ever so hard,” he added.

“But my professional duty is to the team and country I manage, so all the emotions go out the window. We will do our very best to maintain the utmost professionalism and give a good account of ourselves.

“I can't be too emotionally invested because my job is to be the head coach for Kenya and I have to do anything possible to bring success and prosperity to the national team.

“It's our professional duty to do the very best we can to help our teams win. Victory would be amazing, but I know how difficult it will be, considering Bafana's status in African football. Coach Pitso is a very respected coach and a friend.”

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