The Bafana Bafana legend was supposed to have been appointed Harambee Stars coach by January but what has delayed his arrival?
South African legend Benni McCarthy still remains the man to take over as Harambee Stars following initial contact made in December.
McCarthy has been widely reported as the man Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has identified for the vacant role following Engin Firat’s resignation last December.
However, despite promises that a new coach would be unveiled soon, that decision is yet to be made, but it is now emerged that there are a few things holding the deal back although it does not change the fact that McCarthy is the man FKF want to replace Firat.
Former Manchester United first-team coach Benni McCarthy has been reported as a hot favourite for the Harambee Stars job but he will have to endure a massive pay cut.
Pulse Sports understands the appointment of McCarthy will happen soon after further talks between the two parties in recent weeks but the federation has delayed the decision to clean its house first.
FKF revealed the rot at the federation on Wednesday when it made public the findings of the Transition Ad Hoc Committee which cited debts of over Ksh380 million and 21 legal disputes which are among the key things holding back McCarthy’s appointment.
The federation want to be sure that the tactician will work in the right environment and is seeking to secure enough assurances about funding and a way of settling their Ksh383,940,846 debts before the appointment is made.
FKF is in a race against time to have the tactician in place before the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in March, where Harambee Stars face The Gambia away and Gabon at home, while he would also be in charge of the team during the 2024 African Nations Championships which was postponed from February to August.
Reports indicate McCarthy will come with one assistant coach with another one being Kenyan and will be handed a two-year contract.
The Bafana Bafana legend has been out of work since leaving Premier League club Manchester United in June 2024, having worked under former manager Erik ten Hag, as the team’s attacking coach.
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Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy is reported to have agreed to take over as Harambee Stars coach but an ex-Kenyan international has made certain demands before his appointment.
McCarthy also coached Cape Town City and AmaZulu in South Africa before his stint at United.
