Former Man United star Andy Cole backs McCarthy to shine with Harambee Stars

South African football legend Benni McCarthy continues to receive support in his role as Harambee Stars coach, with football icon Andy Cole the latest to back him for success.

At the same time, the English Premier League (EPL) Hall of Fame inductee has expressed disappointment that not many Kenyans have featured in Europe’s top league but noted that with “hard work and determination” more can break through.

The former Manchester United striker has also shared his admiration for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) tournament and showered praise on African footballers making their mark in Europe.

Cole, 53, who won five EPL titles and the 1999 UEFA Champions League title with Manchester United, spoke on Saturday during a coaching clinic at the Kileleshwa Primary School in Nairobi.

The event that attracted budding footballers from Galaxy Football Academy was courtesy of London-based Africa Cultural Enterprise.

Cole said that based on his past interactions with McCarthy, he expects the former Manchester United forwards' coach to do well with the Harambee Stars.

“I have always had a good relationship with Benni. I think he will do a good job (as Harambee Stars coach),” said Cole, who is the fourth-highest goal scorer in the EPL with 187 goals.

“He (McCarthy) has played in European football, has won the European Cup (UEFA Champions League), so I’d like to believe that Benni coaching knows what he is talking about. I think he will do very well,” reiterated the former prolific striker, who played for several other clubs in England including Arsenal, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Fulham.

Last month during his visit to Kenya which was also courtesy of Africa Cultural Enterprise, former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor threw his weight behind McCarthy.

"He is good, and I wish him the best of luck and hopefully he will bring you guys back to the African Cup of Nations. Why not? Maybe win it, but it's not going to be easy, but I wish him the best of luck,” said Adebayor.

Having been unveiled as Harambee Stars coach on a two-year contract on March 3, McCarthy oversaw his first two matches of the team, guiding Kenya to a 3-3 draw against host Gambia and a 2-1 loss to visitors Gabon in the Group “F” 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers.

Buoyed by Harambee Stars impressive display in the two matches, McCarthy has warned Kenya’s opponents to be “scared of what is coming.”

Siblings McDonald Mariga and Victor Wanyama are the Kenyan footballers who have played at the highest level in Europe.

Mariga won the UEFA Champions League with Italian side Inter Milan in 2010 while Wanyama played for both Tottenham and Southampton.

Noting that African footballers overcome several challenges to play in Europe, Cole said he respects those who make it and the Afcon tournament. “I have nothing but respect and admiration for the Africans that play in that competition (Afcon) who play in Europe. I know how difficult it is for them to have the opportunity to play in Europe,” said the former striker.

“Yes the tournament (Afcon) might not be as organised as Euros (UEFA European Football Championship) or World Cup but for me personally when I have the opportunity to watch it, I watch it and that tells you everything you need to know,” he added. In February, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher sparked controversy after dismissing Afcon as not a major tournament while discussing Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or this year.