Ahead of Kenya’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) double-header against South Africa, the former Manchester United coach has confirmed players and technical bench being owed between September and October.
“The technical staff have received nothing. But at the end of the day, my job is to go out there and leave Kenya in a better position than I found it,” McCarthy told Sporty TV as quoted by Mozzart Sports.
“We are professional enough to go out there and do our job. After the football matches, we can fight for what is worth fighting for. That is what I will continue striving for.
“The authorities will have to come good and pay us, and FIFA and CAF may have to intervene in this situation.
“But while we are there, it is our duty to make the players better and leave the country in a better state football-wise than we found it.”
McCarthy had raised the same concerns in October when Kenya kicked off their AFCON qualifying campaign against Eritrea, and Guinea.
Kenya drew 1-1 against Eritrea, before losing 1-0 against Guinea. Ahead of the two matches, Harambee Stars players downed their tools demanding for the arrears.
According to McCarthy he persuaded the players to honour their AFCON qualifying opener against Eritrea at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi.
“I had to convince the players to train the day before the Eritrea game. I would never allow players to refuse to play because of issues they have,” explained the former Porto player.
“My responsibility was to get them ready, and I managed to convince them to train and play the following day.”
McCarthy added: “Travelling to Guinea, the players were still waiting to know what was happening. Eventually, most of them received their allowances because a lot of pressure had been put on the federation and the ministry.”
Kenya will not make it easy for Bafana
On facing Bafana Bafana away, he said: “It’s mixed emotions, to be honest, because I go home to where my roots are. I go home to a place that I once called home. Once upon a time, Orlando Stadium.
“I go home to adoring fans that always cheered and always supported me no matter what, and I’ve always had unbelievable moments in front of them.
“Now I'm on the other side of the dugout, and I'm against everything that I've helped pull to where it is now. So yeah, so it’s a little bit of mixed emotions, but a proud moment as well, you know.
“I’m still representing my country, even though I'm a head coach for the opposition team, but I would want the very best for my country. But I'm definitely not going to make it that easy for them as well.”
McCarthy has already named Kenya's final squad for the South Africa game.
Harambee Stars will face South Africa in a two-legged tie, starting at Orlando Stadium on Friday, November 13th, before the return leg at Nyayo Stadium on Tuesday, November 17th.
Kenya final squad to face South Africa
Goalkeepers; Byrne Omondi, Faruk Shikhalo, Ian Otieno, Brian Bwire.
Defenders; Vincent Harper, Stanley Wilson, Eric Ouma, Abud Omar, Amos Wanjala, Frank Odhiambo, Sylvester Owino, Ronney Onyango, Hannif Wesonga.
Midfielders; Manzur Okwaro, Henry Ochieng, Zak Vyner, Alwyn Tera.
Forwards; Will Lenkupae, Mohammed Bajaber, Ben Stanley, Job Ochieng, Adam Wilson, Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam, Micah Obiero.
