Former Chipolopolo coach Honour Janza has lauded the Football Kenya Federation for its appointment of Benni McCarthy as national team coach, saying it was high time that Africa coaches were appointed to coach African teams.

Janza, who was assistant when Zambia won the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, was also head coach when they attended the tournament in 2015. He has also previously been in charge of the Tanzanian national side.

Commenting on the appointment of McCarthy, South Africa’s all-time leading scorer in international football and a Champions League winner, Janza said: “It’s not an easy decision and investment for an African nation to appoint an African coach.

“For that move and appointment, it must go with kudos from us African coaches. This is a bigger step that Africa is showing to the world, that we have our own that can cross borders and take charge in a bigger platform.

“We need to encourage such. Congratulations to Benni. Stay focused,” he said.

McCarthy will take charge of his first match when the Harambee Stars take on Gambia in a World Cup qualifier on Thursday 20 March.