McCarthy sees opportunity for Kenya as Bafana adjust to Mosimane

McCarthy will face his native South Africa as Kenya prepare for their role as co-hosts of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Uganda and Tanzania. The two sides are scheduled to meet in back-to-back Group D qualifiers, giving the former Bafana striker an unusual reunion with his home country.

South Africa recently began a second spell under Pitso Mosimane, who made a winning return as Bafana defeated Guinea 2-1 in their opening AFCON 2027 qualifier.

While acknowledging South Africa's quality, McCarthy believes Mosimane's return means the team is still in the process of adapting to a different tactical approach.

"Whenever there's a change of guard, it takes time for players to understand a new head coach," McCarthy said on Sporty TV.

He added that players need time to become familiar with a coach's philosophy, playing style and expectations.

For McCarthy, that adjustment period could be particularly significant given the timing of Kenya's two meetings with South Africa.

"Maybe the change of coach could have come at a better time for us because it will take a couple of games for South Africa to play the way Pitso wants to play," he said.

The November fixtures will therefore offer Mosimane another opportunity to establish his methods and build cohesion within his squad, while Kenya will look to make the most of any uncertainty during the transition.

Despite Kenya already having a guaranteed place at the 2027 AFCON as one of the hosts, McCarthy has indicated that his team will approach the qualifying campaign seriously. The Harambee Stars drew 1-1 with Eritrea in their opening Group D match and remain focused on competing for a strong position in the group.

"We are not qualified for me, and we are fighting for the number one or two spot in the group," McCarthy said.

The November double-header is consequently expected to carry significance beyond Kenya's automatic qualification. For South Africa, the matches will test how quickly Mosimane can establish his ideas after returning to the national team. For McCarthy and Kenya, they represent an opportunity to measure themselves against one of the continent's established sides while making the most of the circumstances surrounding Bafana's coaching transition.