Benni brings Kenya to Mzansi

Benni McCarthy brought his Kenya squad to South Africa on Tuesday for two preparatory matches as they prepare to take on Bafana Bafana later this year.

Kenya were due to play in Kyrgyzstan against the hosts and Palestine in the June international window but “logistical challenges” saw them pull out and arrange two friendlies against Lesotho instead.

They will both be played at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, with the first on Thursday (4pm kick-off) and the second on Sunday, also with a 4pm kick-off.

McCarthy named five new call-ups from Europe as he looks to strengthen his squad for the 2027 Cup of Nations finals, which Kenya is co-hosting with Tanzania and Uganda.

They are defender Deon Woodman (Wealdstone FC), winger Sammy Hena-Kamau (Hull City), forward Micah Obiero (Wealdstone FC), defender Sydney Agina (Stoke City) and goalkeeper Caleb Kramer (ADO Den Haag).

Job Ochieng, Ryan Ogam and Byrne Omondi have all withdrawn from the squad and in their place, Amos Nondi, Kelly Madada and Polokwane City goalkeeper Brian Bwire have been called up as replacements.

Kenya were drawn with South Africa in the 2027 Cup of Nations qualifiers, where they are participating despite being assured of automatic qualification as hosts.

That means there is only one other place available between South Africa, Eritrea and Guinea.

Bafana Bafana will take on the Kenyans both home and away in November.