Kenya boss Benni McCarthy suggests that the conduct of players in hotels during national team camps is part of the reason why teams like Egypt and Morocco are ahead most African sides.
McCarthy, known for being outspoken, has now taken charge of Kenya and has highlighted some of the persistent challenges at international level for African nations.
He believes the lack of dedicated technical centres for national team camps has contributed to the underdevelopment of football in certain countries.
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The former AmaZulu FC boss says that nations like Egypt and Morocco are a cut above the rest in terms of development, largely because they have established training centres for their national teams.
According to Pulse Kenya, McCarthy explained: "When you're forever shifting where the team camps, there’s no settled base.
"That’s where Morocco and Egypt got it right.
"When you have a base, players feel at home. You control the narrative, the discipline, everything.
"Footballers will always be footballers. They sneak out, go clubbing, partying — because there’s no control when you’re in a hotel."
McCarthy added that nations such as Nigeria are suffering because of this lack of structure.
He explained: "You can’t tell me with the players Nigeria have, they shouldn’t be top three in Africa or top 20 in the world.
"But they’re struggling to qualify for the World Cup — it’s a shambles."
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By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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