Kenyan striker Kelvin Etemesi, who currently plays in the South African Premier Soccer League, has advised Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy on how to approach the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against South Africa.

Etemesi, who plays for Marumo Gallants, believes Kenya have what it takes to challenge Bafana Bafana despite the difference in quality and experience between the two national teams.

According to a report published by Mozzart Sport on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, the Kenyan forward shared his observations about South Africa’s playing style and identified areas McCarthy’s team could exploit ahead of the two encounters.

The two countries are scheduled to meet twice in November, with the first leg taking place in Johannesburg on Friday, November 13, before Kenya host South Africa in Nairobi on Tuesday, November 17.

Etemesi, who has experience playing against several South African footballers at club level, believes the Harambee Stars must pay particular attention to Bafana Bafana captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

He explained that Williams is comfortable with the ball at his feet and plays an important role in helping South Africa build attacks from the back.

The Kenyan striker therefore urged McCarthy to instruct his attacking players to press South Africa’s defenders and goalkeeper aggressively to force mistakes and prevent them from playing comfortably.

Etemesi also warned that Kenya must restrict the amount of space available to South Africa’s midfielders, explaining that Bafana Bafana are particularly dangerous when allowed to move the ball quickly.

He further advised Kenya’s full-backs to remain alert against South Africa’s wingers, who can receive diagonal passes and cut inside to create scoring opportunities.

The striker believes that maintaining defensive organisation, pressing aggressively and limiting South Africa’s movement could give Harambee Stars an opportunity to compete effectively.

His comments come after Kenya began their Group D qualifying campaign with a 1-1 draw against Eritrea before suffering a 1-0 defeat to Guinea.

South Africa, meanwhile, recorded victories in their opening two qualifying matches and will head into the November fixtures hoping to maintain their position at the top of the group.

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