Benni McCarthy made a notable return to Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto on 13 November 2026, this time as head coach of Kenya for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against South Africa. The match ended in a 2-2 draw after Kenya secured a late equaliser, dealing a blow to Bafana Bafana’s qualification hopes.
McCarthy, South Africa’s all-time leading goalscorer, approached the game with a clear and professional mindset. Speaking ahead of the match, he said he did not expect any special treatment from the home crowd. “I am not expecting people to cheer or applaud. I will be facing their team, and players, and I will be on the opposite dugout,” he told News24.
He described his return as a proud moment, emphasising his continued dedication to South Africa even while coaching their opponents. “It’s a proud moment, because I am still representing my country — even though I am the head coach for the opposition team,” McCarthy said in a media briefing noted by the Sowetan.
McCarthy vowed to challenge his former team fully. “I want the best for my country but I am definitely not going to make it easy for them,” he added before kickoff. Despite the emotional connection to South Africa, he stressed that his focus was entirely on his role leading Kenya. “The emotions died the day I hung up my boots. It’s just memories for me. It was a good memory. It was a good time,” he explained during an interview with News24.
The match itself was tense and evenly contested. Kenya managed to hold South Africa to a draw with a late goal that ensured neither side took all three points. Reports from Sowetan and Briefly confirmed the 2-2 final score, highlighting Kenya’s resilience at a venue well known to McCarthy.
Orlando Amstel Arena — often referred to simply as Orlando Stadium — provided a fitting backdrop for this encounter between the former local hero and his national team. The qualifier outcome leaves South Africa needing to regroup as they aim to secure AFCON qualification on home soil in 2027. Kenya’s spirited performance under their new coach signals a tougher challenge ahead for Bafana Bafana in the group stages.
The details of crowd reaction beyond McCarthy’s modest expectations remain unverified, with no official reports confirming applause or hostility. McCarthy’s comments, sourced from multiple independent South African outlets including the Daily Voice and Sowetan, frame the narrative of a professional coach facing his former team in a highly charged environment without seeking favours.
We will continue to follow developments in the AFCON qualification campaign and McCarthy’s journey with Kenya, keeping local readers updated on implications for South African football.