The former Harambee Stars midfielder believes Benni McCarthy is the perfect fit for Kenya’s national team, citing his international experience and deep understanding of African football.
Former Harambee Stars midfielder Simeon Mulama has explained why South Africa’s Benni McCarthy is fit for Harambee Stars’ top job.
The former Kenyan international explained that Benni McCarthy might not be very experienced in coaching a national team, but still, his track record proves he can adapt quickly and make history with Harambee Stars.
Simeon Mulama revealed that Benni McCarthy has worked on the international scene and also understands African football, making him a great fit for the job as he urged fans to give him a chance to prove himself.
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.
Under Benni McCarthy’s reign, Simeon Mulama is confident that Harambee Stars will achieve great milestones.
“As Kenya, we needed such a coach with a huge international pedigree. We needed someone who understands African football and has coached at the highest levels,” Simeon Mulama told Telecom Asia Sport.
“McCarthy ticks all the boxes and he is someone who has a proven track record. I believe he will bring in something special to the national team.
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Harambee Starlets have moved up seven places in the latest FIFA rankings thanks to their impressive results against Tunisia in the WAFCON qualifiers.
“He has played at the highest level, he understands the needs and demands of a professional footballer and so will find it easy relating with the players.”
There is no doubt that Beni McCarthy brings with him a great wealth of experience, having worked as a first-team coach at Manchester United.
His contract with the top English Premier League club ended on June 27, 2024. Benni McCarthy also worked as a coach in South Africa with Cape Town City and AmaZulu.
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How new Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy will manage to convince foreign-based players, including dual-citizens like Linton Maina & Djed Spence, to play for Harambee Stars.
Benni McCarthy was a distinguished player and is still ranked as South Africa’s top scorer with 31 goals. He has also played for top clubs like West Ham, Porto, Ajax, Celta Vigo, Orlando Pirates and Blackburn Rovers.
Benni McCarthy will be put to the test first in less than two weeks as Harambee Stars will be in action for the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers in the Gambia on March 17 before hosting Gabon on March 24.
McCarthy is unfazed about the task and expressed optimism about guiding Kenya to qualify for the first World Cup in 2026.