Harambee Stars winger Boniface Muchiri (Jersey 7) takes on Gambia’s Musa Barrow. Image || IMAGO

Although Boniface Muchiri has been a Kenyan international since 2019, it was at CHAN 2O24 where his performances for Harambee Stars truly made him a fan favorite.

Harambee Stars winger Boniface Muchiri has opened up on how Benni McCarthy’s influence has transformed his game and helped him win the hearts of Kenyan football fans.

Muchiri was one of the standout players for Kenya during the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), co-hosted with Tanzania last August. 

Though he made his international debut in 2019 against Uganda, his national team journey has not been straightforward. 

He was frozen out of the squad for nearly two years under former coach Engin Firat, only to return in 2025 — first under interim boss Francis Kimanzi, and then firmly establishing himself under McCarthy during CHAN. There, he provided two key assists and became a fan favorite.

Speaking to Pulse Sports after Kenya’s 5-0 win over Seychelles at Kasarani Stadium, Muchiri credited McCarthy, the former Manchester United strikers’ coach, for sharpening his game.

“All about simplicity. If you need to pass the ball, pass it. If you have to take your man on one v one, don’t be afraid to do it. Don’t turn back or fear the opposition. If you lose the ball, he won’t berate you — he will appreciate the effort,” Muchiri explained.

According to the winger, McCarthy has instilled courage and creativity in Kenya’s wide players, making them less hesitant and more willing to take risks in attack. 

“He has really sharpened my one v one sense and made us become players not afraid to take risks in order to help us get results,” Muchiri added.

Muchiri’s resurgence has not gone unnoticed. These days, fans cheer his name loudly whenever it is announced by stadium announcers before matches, as witnessed in Kenya’s recent games against Gambia and Seychelles.

“I appreciate the support. They are appreciating my talent and what I am showing on the pitch,” Muchiri said. “I don’t want to let them down. It’s all about hard work. Of course, there are difficult days, but at the end of the day it is about being the best I can be.”

Meanwhile, McCarthy’s proactive and unpredictable approach to squad selection has ensured players remain on their toes. 

“He is so unpredictable. You might be given an opportunity today, tomorrow you might not, but everyone gets a chance,” Muchiri revealed. “He has brought a sense of love and unity to the team. As long as you obey his instructions, he will always give you an opportunity.”

Muchiri launched his career with Sony Sugar in 2015 before moving to Nzoia Sugar, where he was spotted in 2018 and joined Robert Matano’s Tusker, who he helped clinch one league title in the 2020/2021 season.

His pace and delivery from wide areas during his days with the Alemen made him one of the league’s most exciting young talents.