Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has admitted that returning to Orlando Amstel Arena will stir mixed emotions as he prepares to lead Kenya against South Africa in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.The South African tactician has a special connection with the Johannesburg venue, having previously played for Orlando Pirates, where he established himself as a fan favorite and won a league championship.##NAJAVA_MECA_10104167##However, Friday, 13 November, will present a different experience for the former Bafana Bafana striker, who will return to a stadium he once called home, this time occupying the opposing dugout as Kenya's head coach.Speaking ahead of the encounter, McCarthy described the return as an emotional experience, recalling the affection he received from Orlando Pirates supporters during his playing days."Mixed emotions, to be honest, because I am going back to a place I once called home. Orlando Stadium is a place where I enjoyed tremendous support from the fans, who stood by me throughout my time there," he said.The former Porto striker admitted that representing Kenya against his home country would make the occasion even more special, although he made it clear that sentiment would not influence his responsibilities on the touchline."Now I am on the other side of the dugout. It is a proud moment because I am still representing my country, even though I am coaching the opposition.I will always want the best for my country, but I will not make things easy for them either," he added.STARS ABROAD: Marcelo scores and assists in Raków win as Ochieng, Wanjala feature in SpainKenya will face South Africa in the first meeting at Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday before hosting the return fixture at Nyayo National Stadium on Tuesday, 17 November.The two matches form part of the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign, although Kenya have already secured their place at the continental tournament as one of the co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania.McCarthy believes the encounters provide an important opportunity for his players to measure themselves against one of Africa's established football nations as they prepare for the tournament.McCarthy threatens FIFA, CAF action over unpaid salaries as Harambee Stars face South Africa"Because we are hosting AFCON, qualification is not something we have to worry about in the same way as South Africa, Guinea, and Eritrea in our group.These are great occasions for our players to compete against one of the top countries in Africa. We will do our best and give everything we have," the coach said.##NAJAVA_MECA_10104605##Kenya currently sits third in Group D with one point from their opening two matches, having drawn against Eritrea at home before suffering a 1-0 defeat to Guinea.South Africa, meanwhile, has made a perfect start, winning both their opening fixtures under head coach Pitso Mosimane to collect six points.Bafana Bafana could move closer to securing qualification with positive results against Kenya, although their qualification prospects will also depend on results elsewhere in the group.Wanyama, Oliech lead star-studded Harambee Stars Legends squad to face Arsenal Legends
1