Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy with his technical team in a past match/ HANDOUT Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has raised concerns over his work permit status in Kenya, revealing that he and members of his technical team are yet to obtain the necessary legal documentation to work in the country.
McCarthy said the situation has become a serious personal concern, insisting he does not want to find himself in a position where authorities question his legal status.
“I don't want to be questioned by authorities on why I am in another country illegally,” McCarthy said. The coach said that, as things stand, he has no legal basis to remain in the country, adding that those responsible for his employment appear to be treating the issue with less urgency.
“I have no reason to be here because I don't have the legal documents to be here. While it is a big problem to me, it does not seem to be a problem for the people we work for,” he said.
McCarthy said the responsibility for securing work permits should rest with those who bring foreign personnel into the country to work. “The people that deploy you must make sure you have them,” he said.
The South African coach also raised concerns over unpaid allowances owed to Harambee Stars players, warning that the situation is beginning to affect morale and the willingness of some players to report for national duty.
He revealed that some team members have gone through four to five camps without receiving any of the money promised, a situation he said is naturally causing frustration.
“For four to five camps, not receiving any cent of what was promised, of course, as a human being you will be like, is it worth it? Is it okay for the national team?” McCarthy said.
The delays have also made his work more difficult, particularly when dealing with players who have not been paid their allowances. “Therefore it becomes hard to manage players who have not been paid,” he said.
McCarthy acknowledged that players are initially driven by their love and passion for football, but said the financial realities of the professional game cannot be ignored.
“We all started playing football for the love and the passion; it was not about money. But when you have a gift, people are willing to pay a lot of money for it,” he said.
He said he understands why frustrated players have been forced to make alternative arrangements to secure their livelihoods. “I understand the players' frustrations, and they have had to make other arrangements,” he said.
McCarthy called for intervention by the Ministry, the President and the Football Kenya Federation before the situation worsens. “The Ministry, the President and the FKF should intervene before it gets worse,” McCarthy said.
