Discover five fast facts about former South African star Benni McCarthy who is reportedly linked to the Harambee Stars coaching job.
Retired South Africa international Benni McCarthy is reportedly on the verge of being unveiled as the new head coach of Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars.
McCarthy, who was previously part of Manchester United’s coaching staff under Erik ten Hag, has built a solid reputation both as a player and a coach.
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If confirmed, his appointment would mark a new chapter for Kenyan football, as the team looks to strengthen its competitiveness on the international stage.
With a decorated playing career spanning nearly two decades, McCarthy remains one of Africa’s most celebrated footballers.
From winning the UEFA Champions League to holding goal-scoring records for South Africa, his journey in football has been nothing short of remarkable.
Pulse Sports looks at five fast facts about Benni McCarthy that highlight his legacy in the sport.
1. South Africa’s all-time leading goal scorer
One of Benni McCarthy’s most outstanding achievements is his status as South Africa’s all-time leading goal scorer.
During his international career, he played 80 matches for Bafana Bafana and netted 31 goals, a record that still stands today.
His prowess in front of goal was particularly evident in the 1998 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), where he was instrumental in South Africa reaching the final.
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One of his most memorable performances came against Namibia, where he scored four goals in a single match, cementing his reputation as a lethal finisher.
2. Champions League glory with Porto
McCarthy’s club career was equally impressive, with one of his greatest highlights coming in 2004 when he won the UEFA Champions League with FC Porto under the guidance of José Mourinho.
The South African striker played a crucial role in Porto’s European campaign, scoring vital goals that helped the Portuguese club lift one of the most prestigious trophies in world football.
McCarthy’s success at Porto also saw him win two Primeira Liga titles and the Portuguese Cup, further establishing himself as one of Africa’s top exports to European football.
3. Premier League success with Blackburn Rovers
In 2006, McCarthy made a move to the English Premier League, signing for Blackburn Rovers in a deal worth £2.5 million. His impact in England was immediate, as he finished the 2006-07 season as the second-highest scorer in the Premier League with 18 goals.
His tally saw him outscore the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie, proving that he could compete with the very best in the game.
His performances for Blackburn Rovers made him a fan favorite and solidified his reputation as a top-class striker.
4. A football family legacy
Football talent runs in the McCarthy family. Benni’s older brother, Jerome McCarthy, was also a professional footballer and played for South African club Kaizer Chiefs.
While Jerome did notachieve the same international success as his younger brother, he was a respected player in the South African league.
Benni McCarthy’s roots trace back to Hanover Park, a tough neighborhood in Cape Town.
Despite the challenges he faced growing up, his determination and passion for football helped him rise to become one of South Africa’s greatest footballers.
5. A promising coaching career
After retiring from professional football at the age of 35, McCarthy transitioned into coaching, where he has continued to make a name for himself.
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He has managed Cape Town City in South Africa and later coached AmaZulu FC, where he led the team to a second-place finish in the South African Premier Division—AmaZulu’s highest-ever league finish.
His coaching abilities earned him a role at Manchester United, where he worked as a first-team coach, primarily focusing on the attacking players.
Under his guidance, players like Marcus Rashford flourished, highlighting his ability to develop and improve top-level talent.
Now, with reports linking him to the Harambee Stars job, Kenyan football fans are eager to see whether McCarthy can bring his wealth of experience to the national team and help them achieve greater success on the international stage.
