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Harambee Stars' Benni McCarthy bags Coach of the Month Award
Harambee Stars' coach Benni McCarthy.
Harambee Stars tactician Benni McCarthy has won the Betika/Sports Journalist Association of Kenya (SJAK) Coach of the Month award for August.
McCarthy took home a personalised trophy and Sh100,000 after Tuesday’s award ceremony.
The South African, who won the Uefa Champions League with FC Porto in 2004, led Harambee Stars to their first Chan quarter-final in 38 years at the just-concluded 2024 tournament.
Kenya beat two-time champions Morocco (1-0) for the first time, as well as Zambia and 2016 champions DRC, both with 1-0 wins, and drew 1-1 with Angola.
Kenya drew 1-1 with Madagascar in the quarters but lost 4-3 on penalties. Stars last progressed past the quarters at the 1987 Fourth All Africa Games in Nairobi, losing 1-0 to Egypt in the final.
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy during the team's training at Utalii Sports Club on September 1, 2025. Kenya is preparing for Group F World Cup qualifiers matches against The Gambia and Seychelles
Japheth Akhulia, Head of Marketing at Betika, congratulated McCarthy saying: "The beauty of sports is its ability to unite the people. We join other Kenyans in appreciating the impact McCarthy has had on the team. This award continues to recognise excellence and aligns with our vision of making people's lives more enjoyable by supporting those who nurture talent,” said Akhulia.
Other nominees for the award were William Ojal of Strathmore Leos 7's Rugby team, Geoffrey Omondi of Malkia Strikers, Jackline Barasa, who led Kenya's women's Under 20 volleyball team to the African Women's Under 20 Volleyball Championship title, and Nelson Jaika of St Peter's Boys High, Mumias.
"When you top a group where you’re pooled with Morocco, DRC, Angola and Zambia, you count blessings. Unfortunately, the tie we thought we would win became a mission impossible,” McCarthy said.
SJAK President James Waindi said: “Coaches often go unrecognised, losing the limelight to players when teams win. But behind every successful team is a tactically astute coach, and McCarthy has been an inspiration to the players.”
During his prime, the South African featured for Ajax, FC Porto, Blackburn Rovers, West Ham, Orlando Pirates, and Celta Vigo, and coaching roles at Cape Town City, Amazulu, and Manchester United in the English Premier League (EPL).
McCarthy is the all-time top South African top scorer with Bafana Bafana, with 31 goals. He made his international debut in 1997.
He is the third foreign coach to receive the award, following South African Carlos Katywa of Kabra Sugar and Burundian Etienne Ndayiragije of Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) defending champions Kenya Police FC.
