Benni McCarthy raises alarm over Kenya's off-field turmoil

Kenya have endured a difficult week, with the players twice skipping training while demanding outstanding allowances and salaries.

McCarthy has also revealed that he and members of his technical team have gone months without being paid.

The South African coach believes the uncertainty surrounding the team is creating an unnecessary distraction ahead of their opening Group D clash against Eritrea at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday.

"We are not the best team out there, so we need to be mentally ready and focused, and so we can't afford to have these distractions, and that is frustrating," McCarthy told Sporty TV, as quoted by Pulse Sports.

The former Manchester United assistant coach has also raised concerns about his own working conditions, revealing that he has been unable to obtain a work permit despite being in Kenya for around 18 months.

"It's been one and a half years now in Kenya, but we don't have work permits. We can't work as illegal immigrants. That's why I come, do my job, then leave when the camp is finished," McCarthy told reporters.

McCarthy says the situation requires those responsible to answer for the problems affecting the national team.

"The people responsible must take accountability, or people must be looking to the fact that heads are going to roll and bring in competent people that will make things happen so that we are not in this again," he said.

Meanwhile, Kenya will be without captain and star striker Michael Olunga for the opening qualifiers after an injury setback.

McCarthy explained that Olunga, who had only recently returned from a serious injury, complained of stiffness after starting his club's match on Monday. Scans subsequently revealed strains, prompting the technical team to avoid taking any risks.

"We want to avoid anything bad happening to him and losing him for a long time. The smartest thing for me is to allow Michael to continue his rehab, and then we shall see," McCarthy said.

Kenya host Eritrea on September 26 before travelling to Guinea for their second Group D encounter on October 1.