Kenyan football is entering a new era as South African legend Benni McCarthy officially takes charge of Harambee Stars. The former Manchester United first-team coach was unveiled on Monday at a Nairobi hotel, in an event graced by FKF President Hussein Mohammed and a host of Kenyan football legends.
New Chapter for Harambee Stars
McCarthy steps in to replace Francis Kimanzi, who had been handling the team on an interim basis following the controversial exit of Turkish coach Engin Firat in December 2024. Alongside McCarthy, an all-South African backroom staff was introduced, featuring Vasili Manousakis as assistant coach, Moeneeb Josephs as the goalkeeper’s trainer, and Piela Maposa as the performance analyst.
Speaking during the unveiling, McCarthy was brimming with confidence about his new assignment.
“Kenya has some serious talent. When you look at other teams in Africa performing well, you ask yourself—why not us? Why not Kenya? I’m here to help change that and take this team to the next level,” he said.
The former Porto and Blackburn striker also praised the FKF leadership, saying their transparency and vision convinced him to take up the job.
“Transparency is a huge challenge in African football. But the leadership here told me straight up that things won’t be perfect, but they will do everything they can to support the team. That’s all I need,” he added.
A United Approach to Success
McCarthy made it clear that he is all about teamwork and collaboration. He even expressed his willingness to work closely with Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba, applauding her recent success in guiding the team to a historic away win against Tunisia in the WAFCON qualifiers.
“It’s not just about the men’s team—it’s about Kenyan football as a whole. If we succeed together, we grow together. I’ll definitely be exchanging ideas with Coach Odemba,” he said.
World Cup Qualification Still on the Cards
Despite Kenya’s rocky start in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, McCarthy remains hopeful. The team currently sits fourth in Group F after losing to Gabon and beating Seychelles under the previous coach, but McCarthy believes a turnaround is possible.
“We have to aim high. We want to grab every point available and fight for a top finish. If we don’t finish first, we go for the playoffs. The World Cup dream is still alive,” he declared.
FKF President Hussein Mohammed backed McCarthy’s optimism, urging Kenyans to stay hopeful and patient.
“Look at Harambee Starlets—many people had written them off, but they proved everyone wrong in Tunisia. We have a chance, and with the right mindset, we can make things happen,” Hussein remarked.
FKF Vice President McDonald Mariga also voiced his support, highlighting McCarthy’s unique blend of African and European football experience.
“We wanted someone who understands both worlds. Benni has played at the highest level and knows what it takes to get to the World Cup. We believe in him,” said Mariga, who, like McCarthy, won the UEFA Champions League under the legendary Jose Mourinho.
A Wealth of Experience
McCarthy brings with him an impressive resume. He is South Africa’s all-time top scorer with 31 international goals and remains the only South African to have lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy, winning it with FC Porto in 2004 under Mourinho.
His coaching journey began in Belgium as an assistant at Sint-Truiden before he took charge at Cape Town City, where he won the MTN 8 Cup in 2018. His biggest coaching success came at AmaZulu, guiding them to their highest-ever finish in the South African Premier League and securing a spot in the CAF Champions League.
Most recently, he was part of Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff at Manchester United, focusing on attacking play.
Big Tasks Ahead
McCarthy has no time to settle in—his first big tests are just around the corner. Kenya faces Gambia on March 17, followed by a tough battle against Gabon in the World Cup qualifiers.
With Harambee Stars currently trailing Ivory Coast, Gabon, and Burundi in Group F, McCarthy knows he must deliver results quickly.
His appointment has injected fresh hope into Kenyan football, but now, it’s all about what happens on the pitch. Can he lead the Stars to new heights? Only time will tell.
