South African football legend, Benni McCarthy has been appointed as the new head coach of Kenya’s national men’s football team, the Harambee Stars. The 47-year-old has signed a contract that will see him lead the team until the 2027 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
McCarthy, who previously worked as an attacking coach at Manchester United, was officially unveiled by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) on Monday evening. Speaking during his introduction, McCarthy expressed his excitement about the new challenge and his confidence in the potential of Kenyan football. He emphasized his commitment to developing the team and pushing them to compete at the highest level.
FKF president, Hussein Mohammed described McCarthy as the ideal candidate for the role, highlighting his experience and vision for the team’s future. He stated that the federation had considered several candidates but ultimately believed McCarthy was the right choice to lead the Harambee Stars forward.
The new coach’s first assignment will be the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where Kenya is set to face Gambia away before hosting Gabon later this month. McCarthy has expressed optimism about the team’s chances, stating that with the right mindset and preparation, Kenya can secure six points from the two matches.
Beyond the World Cup qualifiers, McCarthy is also focused on the upcoming 2025 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), which Kenya will co-host. He has set ambitious targets for the team, stating that they aim to reach the semi-finals or even the final of the tournament, and ultimately build a competitive squad for AFCON 2027.
McCarthy brings extensive coaching experience, having previously led South African clubs Amazulu and Cape Town City. As a player, he enjoyed a decorated career, winning the UEFA Champions League with FC Porto and playing for clubs such as Blackburn Rovers and West Ham in England. He was also the joint top scorer at the 1998 AFCON and is regarded as one of South Africa’s greatest footballers.
He will be supported in his new role by Vasili Manousakis as assistant coach, Moeneeb Josephs as goalkeepers coach, and Pilela Maposa as performance analyst.
McCarthy’s appointment is expected to usher in a new era for Kenyan football, with hopes that his leadership will elevate the Harambee Stars to greater success on the continental and international stage.
