Kenya: Benni McCarthy reveals why he leaves the country after every camp
The head coach of the Harambee Stars, Benni McCarthy, has explained why he repeatedly leaves Kenya after national team camps. The South African coach says that he and the foreign members of his staff have been working for around 18 months without work permits.
McCarthy believes he cannot remain in Kenya under these conditions.
“We cannot work as illegal immigrants. I come, do my job, then leave when the camp is over,” he said.
The head coach also says he fears having to answer to the Kenyan authorities for being in the country without the necessary documents.
“I don’t want to be questioned by the authorities about why I am illegally in another country,” he explained.
For McCarthy, responsibility for regularising the situation lies with the organisations that employ him and deploy him with his technical staff.
“I have no reason to be here because I have no legal right to be here. Because it is a big problem for me, but it seems it is not a problem for the people we work for,” he said.
He continued:
“The people who deploy you must make sure you have them,” referring to the work permits required to carry out their duties.
Read also: Kenya: Benni McCarthy wants to compete with Africa’s giants
Players are still waiting for their allowances
McCarthy also discussed the financial difficulties faced by some Kenyan internationals. According to the head coach, several players may have taken part in four or five camps without receiving the allowances they had been promised.
“For four or five camps, not receiving a single cent of what had been promised, of course as a human being, you ask yourself: is it worth it? Is it acceptable for the national team?” he said.
This situation would also make his work with the group more difficult.
“As a result, it becomes difficult to manage players who have not been paid,” he added.
The coach acknowledges that football is first and foremost about passion, but believes that the financial aspect cannot be ignored at the professional level.
“We all started playing football out of love and passion; it was not about money. But when you have a gift, people are willing to pay a lot of money for it,” he explained.
McCarthy says he understands the frustration of the players concerned.
“I understand the players’ frustrations, and they have had to make other arrangements,” he said.
The head coach finally called on the authorities to address the situation.
“The Ministry, the President and the FKF should intervene before this gets worse,” he urged.
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