‘I Don’t Chase Money’: Benni On Kenya Pay D…

(Photo by Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images)

Benni McCarthy has made it clear that his focus remains on football despite the reported salary issues surrounding his time as Kenya head coach, insisting that he refuses to allow matters off the pitch to affect his work with the team.

The former Bafana Bafana striker was speaking to the media at Orlando Stadium on Thursday, ahead of Kenya’s AFCON qualifier against South Africa on Friday evening.

McCarthy and members of his technical team are reportedly owed several months’ wages, with the outstanding amount estimated at up to KSh 11 million. However, when asked whether the money had reflected, the coach turned the conversation towards what the job means to him.

“I think the day you see me wear this, then I don’t care what goes on if I’ve got my money and it’s been like that as a player back in the days. I put on these clothes or this was what I always dreamt of becoming as a kid. So now I’m a coach now and I have the same feeling as well.

“You know, I don’t chase money. I don’t chase anything. I just make a difference in players’ lives and help them to block out everything else.”

The 48-year-old explained that he believes a coach’s mindset has a direct influence on the players, and that he cannot expect his squad to give everything if he is distracted by issues surrounding his own situation.

“And then I focus and I try to do the best possible version of myself for the boys. Because at the end of the day, your team is a reflection of its coach, of its leader. And if my mind is dwelling elsewhere thinking about that, how can I expect the players to give me 100% and give me everything? If my mind is thinking about, you’ve not been paid or this has not been given or that.

“So I try to be 100% on the football so that the players can see the coach is all in and then I’m going to receive exactly the same attitude from the players as well. And then afterwards we can fight for whatever it is.”

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