Former Harambee Stars head coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee has sympathised with Benni McCarthy amid growing criticism of the South African,and said that coaching Kenya’s national team comes with challenges that make it difficult to deliver consistent results.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsMcCarthy’s position has come under increased scrutiny following Harambee Stars’ underwhelming start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign, with Kenya drawing 1-1 at home against Eritrea before suffering a 1-0 defeat away to Guinea.The results have intensified questions over the coach’s suitability for the job, but Mulee believes those judging the current regime should also consider the difficulties that come with managing the national team.##NAJAVA_MECA_10000335##Having experienced the pressure himself, the former Kenya coach says he has no interest in returning to the Harambee Stars bench despite his continued love for coaching.“That is a closed chapter. To be on that bench, to be told ‘Ghost must go’,” Mulee said on Radio Jambo when asked whether he would consider coaching Kenya again.“To coach Harambee Stars is the most difficult job in the world. Ask Benni McCarthy; he knows… You saw they had a strike the other day.”The veteran coach pointed to disruptions away from the pitch as one of the biggest challenges facing national team coaches, arguing that preparations can quickly be thrown into disarray by issues involving players and the wider football environment.“You have your plans, you have planned how you want to prepare the team, then you hear there is a go-slow and the players have boycotted training. It really disorients you. There are many things you look at and say, ‘Is it worth it?’”Stars Abroad: Harambee Stars forward on the scoresheet hours after returning from international footballThe 57-year-old, who has had several spells involved with Harambee Stars, says he would still be willing to serve the national team in another capacity but has ruled out taking charge of the team again.“I love football a lot and coaching is part of me, and I can coach for free, but not Harambee Stars again. I can come as an advisor, not a coach. Coaching that team is not easy. If I tell you what it takes for you to get results.”Mulee also urged supporters to understand the pressure surrounding the position before directing all the blame at McCarthy, who took charge of Kenya with expectations high ahead of the country’s co-hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.Junior Starlets captain Awuor sets World Cup final target“I empathise with McCarthy because you see him and talk a lot about him, but his job is heavy. There is a lot to do but no time. Everyone expects good results.”McCarthy has so far overseen 19 matches since taking charge, recording seven wins, five draws and seven defeats.The latest results have increased scrutiny on his tenure, with Harambee Stars now under pressure to improve their performances as preparations continue towards AFCON 2027.##NAJAVA_MECA_9999608##
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