New Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has less than two weeks to prepare his side for a crucial 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier match away to the Gambia.
Kenya, which lies fourth in Group ‘F’ with five points, will then host Gabon on March 24, four days after their away trip. This will be the South African’s first home match as he aims to breathe life into the national team’s fortunes.
During his unveiling yesterday in Nairobi, the former Manchester United first-team coach vowed to rejuvenate the team's fortunes and bring joy to Kenyan football fans.
McCarthy succeeds interim coach Francis Kimanzi, who will remain part of the technical team. Kimanzi had taken over from Turkish coach Engin Firat, who resigned in December last year due to unpaid dues.
“Seeing the passion on people’s faces reflects their love for their country. However, the national team has not met expectations thus far. I understand the pain behind this passion,” said McCarthy, who previously coached Cape Town City and Amazulu in the South African Premier League.
Benni McCarthy unveiled as new Harambee Stars coach
“We will transform negativity into positivity, and people will be surprised by what our team can achieve. Nothing can stop us,” he added.
McCarthy, 47, remains South Africa’s all-time top scorer, with 31 goals in 79 caps for Bafana Bafana. He brings in a new technical bench that includes Vasili Manousaki as assistant coach, Moeneeb Joseph as goalkeeper’s coach, and Pilela Maposa as performance analyst. The new team have signed two-year deals until the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania
New Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy receives his contract from FKF president Hussein Mohammed during his unveiling in Nairobi on March 3, 2025.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
When asked why he chose Kenya over other offers, McCarthy explained:
“Kenya is talented, with the right leaders, mentality, and work ethic. We can elevate this nation in football. This new regime was honest with me, transparent, and open, which has been a challenge for African teams. The Federation has already informed us that the journey won’t be easy, but I aim to make this team the best in the East African region."
The Uefa Champions League winner with brings vast experience, having coached alongside Erik ten Hag at Manchester United. As a player, he turned out for West Ham, Orlando Pirates, Ajax, Celta Vigo, Porto, and Blackburn Rovers.
“I spent two years at the best club in the world, which was an incredible experience for any African. The greatest achievement is playing and being part of such an iconic team. Now, I want to leverage that experience to elevate this team to the highest level and achieve success."
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Hussein Mohamed expressed confidence in McCarthy’s appointment, emphasising that he understands African football.
“We are excited to begin a new chapter in football under an African coach who truly understands the continent. His impressive coaching credentials make us confident that he embodies what our country needs,” said Mohamed.
FKF Vice President McDonald Mariga, a Champions League winner with Inter Milan, also backed the appointment.
“His experience includes participation in both the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup, which I did not take part in, but we both won the Champions League and Club World Cup. We believe this will encourage more players to seek professional opportunities abroad,” said Mariga.
Kimanzi welcomed McCarthy’s arrival, acknowledging the need for fresh ideas.
“Having been on this journey, I recognise that football is continually evolving. I'm delighted about the cultural exchange his presence will bring and look forward to the new experiences he will offer the national team.”
After the World Cup qualifiers, the South African will prepare Harambee Stars for the delayed 2024 African Nations Championships (Chan) in August.
McCarthy, who played in the Premier League for Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United, also scored at the 1998 and 2002 World Cups and lifted the Uefa Champions League with Porto in 2004 under Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho.
