Benni McCarthy is poised to be appointed as new Harambee Stars coach.
South African football legend Benni McCarthy is set to be appointed as the new head coach of Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars.
The former Manchester United tactician will succeed interim boss Francis Kimanzi, who took over from Engin Firat on a temporary basis.
Reports indicate that McCarthy is expected to arrive in Kenya on Wednesday to finalize his appointment, with an official announcement scheduled for Friday.
With a wealth of managerial experience from his previous stints, McCarthy’s arrival brings a fresh wave of optimism for Kenyan football.
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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 has previously shared deep insights into his coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of understanding his players and building strong relationships.
“For me, it’s important to have an understanding first of where your players come from, to be able to connect with them on a level regarding what you want to achieve as a manager, as a coach, and what you want them to also achieve with the ability that you see,” McCarthy stated in a 2024 interview on The Whistle Podcast.
The soon-to-be Harambee Stars coach believes that individual player development plays a crucial role in improving team performance.
“I work closely on the individual talents—making each and every player better at their craft and helping them tap into how they can achieve more than what they’re giving at that present point. The better you can make players, the more it helps the team.”
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“That’s what I love most about working as a manager—that you have that special relationship with every single player in the team. But when you go out on the pitch, you get them to bring out the best,” McCarthy explained.
When asked whether he prefers a more nurturing approach or a strict disciplinary method, McCarthy highlighted that balance is key.
“A little bit of everything. I think if you’re satisfied with what the players are giving, what they’re putting in, and they’re happy with their performances in training and in games, then there’s no need for a hairdryer treatment. If they’re doing as much as they possibly can and giving you the best of what they have, that should be good enough for you as a manager, as a coach.”
His ability to read the room and adjust his leadership style accordingly could prove invaluable in a team that is still developing and seeking stability.
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McCarthy’s experience with South African clubs AmaZulu and Cape Town City demonstrates his ability to turn underdogs into competitive forces.
“I made them believe that they were better than players playing for the biggest teams. Every single day on the training pitch, we worked on their craft, improving technical abilities, and focusing on the finer details. We managed aspects of their game that they weren’t accustomed to under other managers,” McCarthy reflected on his time at AmaZulu and Cape Town City.
McCarthy emphasized that success comes from mindset and preparation rather than reputation.
“When it came down to match situations—90 minutes, 11 versus 11—what they produced every day in training had to be better. Just because the opposition played for a bigger team with a bigger name didn’t mean they were better players than what we had.”
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Potential Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has previously opened up on his terms for job hunting and what it takes to convince the former Manchester United tactician.
“I instilled that belief in my players, making them understand they were capable of outplaying those teams. And when they stepped onto the pitch, they delivered performances of a lifetime. By tapping into that mindset, we achieved those performances consistently, week in and week out,” he added.
McCarthy’s impending appointment presents an exciting opportunity for Harambee Stars.
His tactical awareness, focus on player development, and ability to instill a winning mentality could elevate Kenya’s footballing standards.
The team has struggled for consistency in recent years, but McCarthy’s arrival signals a potential turning point.
As Harambee Stars prepare for upcoming international fixtures, all eyes will be on McCarthy’s methods, team selection, and overall impact.
If his past success is anything to go by, Kenyan football fans have every reason to be optimistic about the future under his leadership.
