McCarthy: For I know the plans I have for you...plans to give a future

Since Benni McCarthy’s appointment as Harambee Stars head coach, he has wasted no time reshaping the identity of the national team.

After the ex-Porto man stepped into the dugout in March, one thing was clear: if you are good enough, you are old enough. The South African tactician has opened the doors wide for young talent and laid out a clear developmental plan centered on fresh energy and emerging talent.

There’s no argument that Kenya has long needed a squad that can compete and bring lasting success in regional and global competitions, such as the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) and the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

McCarthy believes this new generation of footballers, many teens and early 20s, can push Kenya closer to success in future, if introduced into the team as early as now.

At the heart of this new wave is 18-year-old sensation Aldrine Kibet. The youngster made a name for himself in the 2023 CECAFA U18 Championship and earned a Sh897 million move to Spanish giants RC Celta de Vigo. His transfer fee from Nastic Sports Academy, where he had joined under the Talanta Hela programme, shows just how high the expectations are.

His subtle touches, creativity, and a needed killer instinct are a main part of his game, as he already made his debut against Equatorial Guinea on Friday, November 14, replacing Marvin Nabwire in the 85th minute at the Emirhan Sports Centre in Antalya, Turkey.

Sharing the spotlight is fellow teenager Kevin Otiende. The fearless Nairobi United left-back also debuted against the ‘Nzalang Nacional’, playing the full 90 minutes. The tenacious defender likes to move the ball progressively from the wing, and his grit is similar to that of the currently injured Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma.

Another youngster who just received his maiden call-up is Bryton Onyona. The 20-year-old Gor Mahia full-back offers speed on the left hand side, with a reliability that has boosted K’Ogalo’s solidity and transition capability this season.

In midfield, 19-year-olds Baron Ochieng and Manzur Okwaro offer industry, bravery and control. Kenya u20 captain Ochieng recently completed a transfer to Egyptian giants Zamalek SC, penning a 4-year-deal. Manzur, on the other hand, has not featured much on the local league this season for Naibois due to an injury, but his composure and vision have earned him a pivotal role in the team’s central playmaking duties.

At this point, Ryan Wesley Rabok Ogam is a celebrity in Kenya. The 20-year-old became a hot prospect after his performances at CHAN 2024, immediately landing a deal with Austrian club Wolfsberger AC. He had already been terrorising defences locally in the Sportpesa Premier League with Tusker FC, and proved he could carry that sharp movement and finishing into the national setup too.

The other striker is Lawrence Okoth, a product of the Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA). The 20-year-old SJK Seinäjoki forward adds extra firepower in attack, giving the coach additional options upfront.

Kenya’s playmaking presence deepens with 21-year-old Ben Stanley Omondi, who often plays with the maturity of someone much older. His awareness and tactical discipline allow the team to launch sustained pressure. Gor Mahia holding midfielder Alpha Onyango’s performances in the No. 6 role have also brought a much-needed calmness to the side.

Real Sociedad’s Job Ochieng and Lewis Bandi of Gor Mahia (both 22) also offer attacking versatility and defensive strength, respectively.

Bridge between youth and experience

Experienced young players like Vaasan Palloseura forward William Lenkupae (23) have also become core players in McCarthy’s side. His experience abroad often lands him a place in the starting XI, often due to his workrate and ability to pressure opponents’ defenders.

Gor Mahia defender Sylvester Owino (23) has emerged as a leader and was influential during Kenya’s CHAN 2024 campaign. ‘One Sili Sili’ is calmness personified, dominant in the air, wins most aerial duels, and vocal when organising his defense.

Others include Walsall FC full-back Vincent Harper (25) and News Saints winger Adam Wilson (25), both of whom have gained valuable experience abroad and contribute greatly to team adaptability. Harper’s versatility and Wilson’s tactical intelligence provide balance within this youthful squad.

Kenya plays Senegal on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the Mardan Stadium in Antalya, Turkey, in another high-profile international friendly. Some of these young names will be hoping to impress the former Bafana Bafana striker before the year ends, as he prepares a strong team to compete in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will co-host.

UTILITIES: Harambee Stars players primed for the future

1. Aldrine Kibet – Celta Vigo Fortuna (18 years)
2. Kevin Otiende – Nairobi United (18 years)
3. Baron Ochieng – Zamalek FC (19 years)
4. Manzur Okwaro – Nairobi United (19 years)
5. Ryan Ogam – Wolfsberger AC (20 years)
6. Bryton Onyona – Gor Mahia (20 years)
7. Lawrence Okoth – SJK Seinäjoki (20 years)
8. Ben Stanley Omondi – Gor Mahia (21 years)
9. Job Ochieng – Real Sociedad B (22 years)
10. Lewis Bandi – Gor Mahia (22 years)
11. William Lenkupae - Vaasan Palloseura (23 years)
12. Sylvester Owino – Gor Mahia (24 years)
13. Alpha Onyango – Gor Mahia (24 years)
14. Vincent Harper – Walsall FC (25 years)
15. Adam Wilson – The News Saints (25 years)