- Nottingham Forest forward Anthony Elanga has expressed his desire to watch Benni McCarthy's Harambee Stars.
- Earlier this month, the Kenyan football association appointed a South African as the coach of the country's national soccer team.
- McCarthy trained Elanga for a year at Manchester United from 2022 to 2023 prior to the Swedish player signing with Forest in 2023.
The former Manchester United striker Anthony Elanda has shown enthusiasm for potentially watching Benni McCarthy's team, the Harambee Stars, in action.
The in-form Nottingham Forest player was trained by McCarthy at Old Trafford for a single year prior to his departure.
Earlier this month, the South African accepted the position of coach for the Harambee Stars, marking his first role since departing from the Red Devils.
Is Anthony Elanga going to watch Harambee Stars?
On Thursday, March 20, McCarthy will oversee his inaugural match as coach of the Harambee Stars when they face the Gambia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The ex-Blackburn Rovers forward led his initial training session last week and is currently becoming acquainted with his team members.
Kenya is striving to qualify for the World Cup for the first time ever, and McCarthy believes they have what it takes to achieve this.
The renowned figure from Bafana Bafana posted an image of himself training alongside the Harambee Stars, and Elanga was among those who left a comment.
Elanga posted, 'I need to join the game 🔥🔥,'
McCarthy is set to oversee his inaugural home game against Gabon on Sunday, March 23. Meanwhile, Elandga has received a call-up to represent the Swedish national side in friendlies against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland.
Since departing Manchester United in 2023, Elanga has flourished. This season alone, he has notched up five goals along with nine assists across 29 league games, according to Transfermarkt data. He clinched an FA Cup title during his time at Man United and now solidifies his status as a formidable presence in the Premier League.
Elanga and Forest appear set to clinch a spot for European football next season. Currently, they hold the third position in the Premier League with only nine matches left to play.
Is Kenya able to qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
The Harambee Stars rank fourth in their group with five points from four matches. They trail the leader, Ivory Coast, by five points.
Both Gabon and Burundi are also performing better than Kenya. Thus, for Harambee Stars to stand a chance, they must nearly flawless in their upcoming matches.
Kenyan Reactions to Their World Cup Expectations
@foscraft:
Frankly, I believe he has the potential. Fingers crossed for him and the new president to implement reforms.
@jobu_bujo21:
I'm certain that Benni will contribute to nurturing young talent. I look forward to seeing his plans for our team.
@kwoba_jr:
I believe in their talent; we can do this. The problem has always been inadequate leadership within the FKF. If he manages to improve that aspect, we stand a chance. Our team consists of very capable players.
@jm_scientist02:
Lol! Tafadhali subiri tukiwa na akaunti ya madeni kabisa tuanze kuuliza maswali. Wakati ule aliweka maharagwe yake, akawaona nini. Hii WC siwezi kupata maonesho. Kumbuka Afcon, ni faragha la furaha 😂😄.
@idrismaisiba:
He won't believe what lies ahead for him.
Mulama back McCarthy
CDRNEWS.co.ke Earlier reports indicated that ex-Kenya national team player Titus Mulama supported McCarthy’s success as the head coach of Harambee Stars.
The former midfielder stated that McCarthy's coaching background at Manchester United will be advantageous for Kenyan football.