McCarthy last worked as Erik Ten Hag’s assistant at Manchester United in 2024 before taking over as Harambee Stars coach.
Former Harambee Stars defender James Situma has explained how working at Manchester United could have shaped Benni McCarthy into becoming the ideal man to take over the job four months since the departure of Engin Firat.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) announced his appointment as part of a broader effort to revitalise Kenyan football and improve the team’s performance on the international stage.
McCarthy, a UEFA Champions League winner and former Manchester United first-team coach, brings a wealth of experience both as a player and coach.
AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda has confirmed that the club officially submitted all the paperwork on Tuesday, 5th March 2025, to acquire the land in Kasarani supposed to be used for the building of its stadium.
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McCarthy expressed his excitement about the role, emphasising Kenya’s immense potential in football. He highlighted his commitment to building a competitive squad that plays exciting football and makes the nation proud.
With the Harambee Stars currently sitting fourth in their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying group, McCarthy faces the immediate challenge of improving their standings and securing a spot in the tournament.
His appointment has been met with a mix of optimism and cautious hope, as fans and stakeholders look forward to seeing how his expertise and vision will shape the future of Kenyan football.
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South African Benni McCarthy playfully shares concerns as he takes charge of Harambee Stars
Now Situma, who featured for the national team 39 times, has explained how the pressure of working at a big club like Manchester United was the perfect enough environment to prepare him for the pressure-cooker job managing Harambee Stars, whose fans are very demanding.
“In every job, your mentality has to be right. It is important to change the players’ mentality because we have talent, but sometimes we miss that and that is why we have never hit the top,” Situma said in an exclusive interview with Pulse Sports following McCarthy’s unveiling in Nairobi on Monday.
“McCarthy has already coached Manchester United, so I do not think he will drown into the pressure. That is the biggest club in the world and people have to deliver, so I am sure it will help him evade pressure from Kenyans, who demand instant results.
Situma said. He further noted that McCarthy’s experience both as a player and coach at the highest levels, including his Champions League triumph and mentorship under various top-tier managers, positions him to instill the mentality shift necessary for success. “He needs the right support up top, and I am sure if he receives it, he will take us to another level.
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Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has joined the list of highest paid Africa national team coaches but he still does not compare to many others on the continent.
“I think his experience is what matters here, rather than his profile. Do you have the credentials to be able to do the job? I think he has experience having played and coach at the highest level. He has won the champions league and learnt under many managers, so I think that is what he will bring to the team.
Situma also implored all stakeholders to be humble enough to add more strings to their bows under McCarthy is the side is to achieve its objective of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as well as do well at the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) and AFCON 2027 tournaments.
“We need to be open minded and be willing to learn if we want him to succeed here.”
Situma featured for a host of FKFPL clubs during his playing days, including Tusker and AFC Leopards, and also had a stint in Albania.