For the second time in three months, Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy from South Africa, has flirted with the idea of taking over coaching duties away from Kenya.
In an interview with BBC Radio Lancashire on Thursday, the Harambee Stars coach said he would not think twice if English Championship team Blackburn Rovers approached him for the top job, noting that the club holds a special place in his heart.
Harambee Stars' coach Benni McCarthy.
Photo credit: Sila Kiplagat| Nation Media Group
The South African football legend turned out for Blackburn Rovers in the English Premier League between 2006 and 2010, during which he scored 52 goals in 140 games.
“I love Blackburn Rovers and I would put my life down that I would want that club to succeed so bad, to get them in the Premier League,” McCarthy told BBC Radio Lancashire.
“And maybe that’s what they need instead of always going for the tried and tested? “The decision-makers are always there to make those hard decisions, but if one day that call comes, I would be there in a heartbeat.”
Blackburn are currently in the market for a new coach after the departure of Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neil, after guiding them to safety in the 2025/206 Championship. O’Neil replaced Valerien Ismael on an interim basis in February 2026.
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy reacts on the touchline during the 2024 Africa Nations Championship quarter-finals match between Kenyan and Madagascar at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani in Nairobi on August 22, 2025.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
Although McCarthy admitted that he still lacks the managerial experience of other candidates, he urged Blackburn’s leadership to consider their strategy for the upcoming season.
“I understand I’m a young manager, very fresh, new in this game,” he said. “But then I look at it (the same) as playing football. Sometimes, when you have a young player that’s talented, that’s good enough, are you going to take a risk? Vincent Kompany, they’ve given him a chance and look what he’s done. He brought Burnley to the Premier League with an unbelievable season, probably one of the best Championship seasons that I’ve seen a team have.
“Then he’s gone to Bayern Munich, and you see how he’s doing. Very inexperienced coach, but when people believe in young people, they can exceed their expectations.
“So I think sometimes going for the tried and tested doesn’t always work, the experience doesn’t (always) get you over the line.”
McCarthy has on many occasions expressed his desire to return to club coaching, noting that it is more demanding than national team duty.
“The experience in Kenya has been unbelievable. It’s been remarkable, it’s been nice but I think I’m still young to go so long without being active,” McCarthy told South African new outlet 947 in March 2026.
“I want to be on the training pitch everyday, smell the grass. I want to improve players,” he said at the time.
Kenya coach Benni McCarthy holds a ball as he conducts a training session at Police Sacco Stadium in Nairobi on October 6, 2025.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
Should the former Manchester United first-team striker coach leave his role at Harambee Stars, it will be a big blow for Kenya’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals. Kenya is scheduled to co-host the 2027 Afcon with neighbours Uganda and Tanzania.
Kenya is hoping to put up a good show at home. Kenya has been drawn in Group D of the 2027 Afcon qualifiers alongside coach McCarthy’s home country, South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea. However, Kenya has qualified for the Afcon finals as hosts.
