In his first press conference after signing a two-year deal with Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to take over as Harambee Stars coach on March 3, the 47-year-old South African football legend Benni McCarthy vowed to take Harambee Stars to new heights.
“I have studied the talent in this county, and I believe there is immense potential to compete at the highest level,” McCarty said at his unveiling on March 3. That was six months ago.
Now exactly 170 days into the hot seat, many Kenyans are of the view that McCarthy was “God sent”. The former Manchester United first forwards coach has guided Harambee Stars in eight matches, winning four, drawing three and losing two. But it is Harambee Stars’ impressive performance in Group ‘A’ of 2024 African Nations Championships, dubbed “group of death” that has earned him more praise from Kenyans and the players as well.
Kenya has stunned both Morocco and the Democratic Republic of Congo 1-0, and drew 1-1 with Angola. Remarkably, Harambee Stars played for more than an hour with 10 men against both Morocco and Angola after the referee had red-carded midfielders Marvine Nabwire and Chrispine Erambo, respectively.
But about six months ago, not many Kenyans would have dared dream of Harambee Stars not just competing, but stunning African giants and finishing on top of their group unbeaten.
Boasting a rich football history that includes playing for some of the top clubs in Europe under the best coaches, McCarthy has capitalised on his vast experience to transform Kenya’s football fortunes.
After Harambee Stars beat Morocco 1-0 despite playing more than an hour with 10 men following Erambo’s red card, McCarthy credited the resilient defensive display to tactics he learnt at Porto FC under renowned Portuguese football coach Jose Mourinho.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy addresses the media after the team's training session at Nyayo National Stadium on July 23, 2025
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
“I am not sure if you remember that I played under a certain coach, Jose Mourinho. He was a master of that, so as a player playing in a team playing with 10 men was hell, but we used to manage it perfectly like it was our everyday thing,” McCarthy, who won the prestigious Uefa Champions League title with Porto in 2004, told a packed press conference at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani after the match.
Previously against Angola, Kenya adopted a similar approach after Nabwire was sent off in the 21st minute.
On Sunday, after Kenya started the second half sluggishly, McCarthy made two changes that proved effective. He sent in Boniface Muchiri and Masoud Juma to replace David Sakawa and Austine Odhiambo, respectively, with immediate results.
Muchiri tormented Zambia’s defence with his pace and dangerous crosses, providing the assist for Ogam with a weighty pass.
Beyond his tactical acumen, McCarthy has also shown that he is not afraid to take risks. In all Kenya’s four group matches, the former Cape Town City and Amazulu coach made a string of changes to his side. Defender Sylvester Owino is the only player in the squad who has played the full duration of every game. However, McCarthy’s biggest squad overhaul, which shocked many home supporters, came in Kenya’s high-stakes match against two-time Chan champions Morocco, which is also the top-ranked African nation, and lies in 12th place globally.
In that encounter, McCarthy rested several of his key players, including captain Abud Omar, talisman Austine Odhiambo, Alphone Omija, Daniel Sakari, Alpha Onyango and Marvine Nabwire. Some of their replacements were defenders Lewis Bandi, Siraj Mohamed and Michael Kibwage and striker Ryan Ogam. Ogam scored the match’s winning goal.
Attributing Harambee Stars’ impressive run in the tournament thus far to the strong bond that they have created among themselves in the squad, the South African football legend has stressed that there are no sacred cows in his squad.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy during the team's training session at Nyayo National Stadium on July 23, 2025
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
“I select players based on merit. If you want to start the match, impress me in training,” he said ahead of the match against Angola. Football Kenya Federation has given him the free hand to choose the players.
He is also regarded as a father figure by many players who say they give their best on the pitch so that he can maintain his rich legacy.
“I call him baba (dad),” Sakari said ahead of Kenya’s match against Zambia.
“We know the great things he has achieved, first as a player, and as a coach, so with him at the helm, we have that belief that you can come from Africa and go play there in Europe and perform at your best. We work for him too because he has to maintain the legacy,” the Kenya Police defender added.
Teenage defender Sulieman Mansur is among the players McCarthy has a close relationship with, judging from their interactions on the pitch. In a previous interview, Mansur, 19, said he gives his all on the pitch because he doesn’t want to disappoint the coach.
For his part, Ogam paid tribute to McCarthy for selecting him to the squad even when he was still not fully fit due to a knee injury that kept him out of action for three months.
“I thank the coach for giving me the chance to be here. It was a difficult season for me, a learning process because throughout the injury, the mentality was to come back and play in the Chan,” he said after Kenya’s win over Zambia.
