Opinion divided ahead of Benni McCarthy's unveiling as Harambee Stars coach
New Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy displays his contract alongside FKF president Hussein Mohammed during his unveiling in Nairobi on March 3, 2025.
What you need to know:
- Speaking on Sunday after his side’s 4-1 league loss to Shabana FC at Gusii Stadium in Kisii County, Baraza expressed his disappointment, arguing that Kenyan coaches are not being given a fair chance.
- “Bringing in foreign coaches shows that the federation does not trust us (local coaches). Why bring someone from outside when we have our own coaches who are equal to the task? Look at our neighbours Tanzania—they are doing well with their local coaches. We should also emulate them. What will the new coach tell Kenyans if he loses his first match? He will say he is still new,” Baraza stated.
Kakamega Homeboyz coach Francis Baraza has faulted the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) for settling on South African legend Benni McCarthy as the new Harambee Stars head coach.
McCarthy, who arrived in Kenya last week, is set to be unveiled on Monday at the Serena Hotel, Nairobi as the new Harambee Stars coach, taking over from Francis Kimanzi, who has been handling the team on an acting capacity, after Turkish coach Engin Firat left the role last year due to non-payment of salary arrears.
Speaking on Sunday after his side’s 4-1 league loss to Shabana FC at Gusii Stadium in Kisii County, Baraza expressed his disappointment, arguing that Kenyan coaches are not being given a fair chance.
“Bringing in foreign coaches shows that the federation does not trust us (local coaches). Why bring someone from outside when we have our own coaches who are equal to the task? Look at our neighbours Tanzania—they are doing well with their local coaches. We should also emulate them. What will the new coach tell Kenyans if he loses his first match? He will say he is still new,” Baraza stated.
Shabana FC coach Peter Okidi, however, welcomed McCarthy’s appointment and called for unity in supporting him.
“He has been in well-established teams, and I believe if he gets the necessary support, he can do better. Let us all support him,” Okidi said.
Darius Msagha (left) of Shabana vies for the ball with Francis Omondi of Kakamega Homeboyz during their FKF-PL match at Gusii Stadium on March 2, 2025.
In the match at Gusii Stadium, Shabana FC delivered a dominant performance to secure the three points. Elvis Ochieng’ opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, heading home Justine Omwando’s free-kick.
New signing Oscar Juma, who joined from National Super League side 3K FC, had a dream debut, scoring a brace in the 64th and 75th minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute. Brian Michira then sealed the win with Shabana’s fourth goal in the 86th minute.
Kakamega Homeboyz managed a consolation goal in the 90th minute through substitute Henry Omollo.
“We got punished because of individual mistakes made by my players. We will go back to the drawing board to correct this,” Baraza said.
Shabana’s Okidi praised his players for their solid performance, urging them to maintain the momentum.
In Mombasa, Bandari FC and Tusker FC battled to a 0-0 draw in a thrilling match at Mbaraki Sports Club.
Bandari’s rising star Izzadin Ramadhan had a brilliant solo run past three defenders in the first half, but failed to hit the target. Tusker’s Dogratious Ojok also came close in the 32nd minute but sent his shot wide after receiving a through pass from Ian Simiyu.
Bandari's new signing John Makwata, who replaced the injured Beja Nyamawi in the 36th minute, created two promising chances, but his teammates failed to convert them.
Bandari dominated possession in the second half, but Ramadhan and William Gitama wasted several goal-scoring opportunities.
“I am happy with how my players performed, but we could have won if our strikers had converted their chances,” Bandari coach Ken Odhiambo said.
Tusker’s Charles Okere was satisfied with the draw, acknowledging Bandari’s strength.
“I’m happy to get a point against a strong Bandari team,” Okere said. At SportsPesa Arena in Muranga, hosts Murang’a Seal were held to a 1-1 draw by visiting Mathare United.