Benni McCarthy is set to be unveiled as Kenya’s new head coach on Friday, marking a major step in the team’s rebuild.
South Africa legend Benni McCarthy will arrive in the country on Wednesday to finalize his appointment as the new head coach of the Harambee Stars.
McCarthy has been in high demand since leaving his role as a first-team coach at Manchester United with multiple clubs and national teams vying for his expertise.
However, he has chosen to embark on a new journey at the international level, taking on the challenge of rebuilding Kenyan football.
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His tenure at Manchester United saw him work closely with the club’s strikers under Erik ten Hag, sharpening their attacking prowess.
Despite strong speculation about a return to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) in South Africa or a potential move to Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States, McCarthy has opted to take charge of the Harambee Stars, who are in the midst of a crucial rebuilding phase.
Kenya, who failed to qualify for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, are currently fourth in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying group with five points from four matches.
With crucial World Cup qualifiers against The Gambia and Gabon scheduled for March 17 and 24, McCarthy’s arrival comes at a pivotal time for Kenyan football.
The country is also set to co-host the 2027 AFCON alongside Tanzania and Uganda, which is believed to have been a key factor in convincing McCarthy to take on the role.
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The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is preparing a grand unveiling for McCarthy on Friday as reported by South African publication, IDiski.
McCarthy’s coaching career has been marked by success and steady progression.
He made his managerial breakthrough with Cape Town City, leading them to victory in the MTN8 Cup. Later, at AmaZulu, he guided the team to their first-ever qualification for the CAF Champions League, solidifying his reputation as a capable tactician.
During his playing career, McCarthy established himself as one of Africa’s most accomplished footballers. His stint at FC Porto under the legendary Jose Mourinho remains one of the highlights of his career, where he won the 2004 UEFA Champions League, two Primeira Liga titles, and the Taça de Portugal.
He also had successful spells with Ajax, Celta de Vigo, Blackburn Rovers, and West Ham United, making him one of the most decorated African footballers of his generation.
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South African legend Benni McCarthy has been heavily linked with the Harambee Stars job and here is everything you need to know about the former Bafana Bafana striker.
McCarthy’s transition into coaching began in 2014 with a role as a youth team coach at Hibernian in Scotland before moving to Sint-Truiden in Belgium. His coaching journey has seen him continuously evolve, earning him a reputation as a mentor capable of instilling a winning mentality in his teams.
