To some extent, Kenya coach Benni McCarthy set himself up. How on earth do you start with your almost second-string team and two inexperienced defenders against a star-studded and wounded Senegal?
By now, he should have his own regular team, but unfortunately, he remains unpredictable with his ever-changing line-ups, and yesterday he properly paid for it.
Secondly, the lack of structures (youth development) came to haunt the national team. Physical/stamina and technical abilities must be developed from a younger age while incorporating science and technology.
There are no shortcuts in football; we have been lying to ourselves for the longest period possible. It’s now time to go back to the basics, invest strongly in the game, and do everything right. Structural reforms are needed, right from the grassroots to the national level, with plans put in place to ensure FKF PL becomes vibrant and competitive again.
If properly invested, it will take the country at least eight years or so to be able to comfortably compete against the best. While at it, it’s important for the boys to get some mental health support to help them heal from this trauma. In 2019 AFCON, Kenya only shipped in three goals against the Teranga Lions in Egypt.
Bottom line, Harambee Stars evokes emotions whenever they play, and that’s a proper reality check in Antalya.
Rodgers Eshitemi is a sports journalist based in Nairobi.
