Former South African international striker Benni McCarthy has been appointed as the new head coach of Kenya’s national men's football team, the Harambee Stars. The appointment, made by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), reflects McCarthy's commitment to bolstering Kenya's football prospects as the nation prepares to navigate the challenging waters of international competitions.
McCarthy, 47, has signed a two-year contract aimed at guiding the team through the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers as well as the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled for 2027, which Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania. His tenure begins at a pivotal moment for Kenyan football, with immediate matches on the horizon against The Gambia away and Gabon at home this March.
Upon his appointment, McCarthy expressed his enthusiasm for taking on this new challenge, stating, "I am delighted to be here, and I proud to have taken this challenge with a national team which has a lot of potential." This sentiment aligns well with FKF president Hussein Mohammed’s views, who remarked, "We are confident Benni is the right person to lead our national team forward. His experience, vision, and commitment to developing Kenyan football align perfectly with our ambitions.”
McCarthy steps in at the helm following the resignation of Turkish coach Engin Firat late last year. Kenya's national team, which has historically struggled to secure its footing on the international stage, currently finds itself fourth out of six teams in the World Cup qualifying Group F, with five points from four matches and trailing behind the group leaders, Ivory Coast.
Despite the challenges, McCarthy's expertise—which spans his celebrated playing career and coaching roles—brings optimistic possibilities for improvement. He has promised fans and players alike, saying, "It is possible to win the two games and collect six points and then we can see where this takes us." His enthusiasm to change the team's mentality and inspire hope among players is evident. He aims for Kenya to surprise many by remaining competitive during the qualifiers.
McCarthy's footballing background is impressive, having represented South Africa at the 1998 and 2002 World Cups and achieving club success with FC Porto, where he won the UEFA Champions League, and with Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United. Most recently, McCarthy was part of Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff at Manchester United, where he served as the attack coach.
The recent elections within the FKF have provided a fresh start for Kenyan football, with new leadership aimed at overcoming the issues of the past, including previous suspensions from international football due to mismanagement. The federation is now operating under improved administration and is showcasing intent with McCarthy's high-profile appointment.
McCarthy's leadership philosophy centers around instilling discipline and passion within the team. "For me, it's about giving the fans, the true Kenyan, an identity," he explained, emphasizing the need for players to embody the spirit and hard work characteristic of Kenyans. He expressed his desire for them to compete fiercely, stating, "Players must have the same hunger, desire, and passion, like you die when you put on the Kenyan shirt. Because people must be proud of you when you walk off the field."
Looking forward, McCarthy's first résumé task will include preparations for the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania later this year. He shared his ambitions not only to perform well during these tournaments but to inspire the team to achieve semifinal placements or even aim for the finals of the competition.
With the combined potential of McCarthy's experience and the renewed vision of the FKF, Kenyan football enthusiasts are hopeful this new chapter will bring about significant progress for the Harambee Stars. It remains to be seen whether McCarthy can guide Kenya to its first-ever World Cup appearance, but for now, his appointment marks the start of potentially transformative times for Kenyan football.
Kenyan fans are now eagerly anticipating what McCarthy will bring to the pitch as the country embarks on this pivotal phase of revitalization within its football framework. The challenge is formidable, but many believe under McCarthy's helm, the Harambee Stars could finally rise to prominence on the international stage, fulfilling dreams of international football glory.