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South Africa's Benni McCarthy takes charge of Harambee Stars in two-year deal

Benni McCarthy

New Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy displays his contract alongside FKF president Hussein Mohammed during his unveiling in Nairobi on March 3, 2025.

Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
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By  John Ashihundu  &  Toto Arege

What you need to know:

  • The 47-year-old McCarthy, who won 80 caps for South Africa and scored at the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, played in the Premier League for Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United. He lifted the Champions League with Porto in 2004.

Former Manchester United striker and South African football legend Benni McCarthy was on Monday unveiled as the new Harambee Stars head coach.

The 47-year-old replaces Francis Kimanzi, who had been serving in an interim capacity following the resignation of Turkish coach Firat Engin last year.

Joining McCarthy’s technical bench are Vasili Manousakis as Assistant Coach, Moeneeb Josephs as Goalkeepers Coach, and Pilela Maposa as Performance Analyst. The quartet has signed two-year contracts that will take them until the the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations that Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania. 

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Speaking at his unveiling at the Serena Hotel in Nairobi, McCarthy shared his excitement about the role:

"I am honoured to take on this role and excited about the journey ahead with the Kenyan national team. I have studied the talent in this country, and I believe there is immense potential to compete at the highest level.

Benni McCarthy

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

Together with my coaching team, including Vasili Manousakis, Moeneeb Josephs, and Pilela Maposa, we are committed to building a structured, disciplined, and competitive squad. Our goal is to develop a strong team identity, play exciting football, and make the nation proud. I look forward to working with the players, the federation, and the passionate Kenyan fans to achieve success."

McCarthy and his team will immediately take charge as Kenya prepares for the upcoming 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against the Gambia and Gabon this month.

FKF President Hussein Mohammed expressed confidence in the new technical team

"After a rigorous selection process, we are confident that Benni McCarthy is the right person to lead our national team forward. His experience, vision, and commitment to developing Kenyan football align perfectly with our ambitions.

Alongside him, we welcome Vasili Manousakis as Assistant Coach, Moeneeb Josephs as Goalkeepers Coach, and Pilela Maposa as Performance Analyst. This team brings a wealth of expertise, and we believe they will instil tactical discipline, structure, and a winning mentality as we prepare for upcoming competitions."