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South African Benni McCarthy arrives in Kenya ahead of unveiling as Harambee Stars coach
New Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy displays his contract alongside FKF president Hussein Mohammed during his unveiling in Nairobi on March 3, 2025.
What you need to know:
- As a coach, he served as a first-team coach at Manchester United between 2020 and 2024. He has also previously managed South African Premier League sides Cape Town City and Amazulu, as well as worked as an assistant coach at Belgian outfit Sint-Truiden.
South African football legend Benni McCarthy landed in Kenya on Thursday morning ahead of his official unveiling as the new Harambee Stars head coach on Monday, March 3.
McCarthy will take over from Francis Kimanzi, who has been serving in an interim capacity since December 11, following the exit of Turkish tactician Engin Firat. Kimanzi, who guided Kenya in the Mapinduzi Cup, will be part of the transition team to help the new coach settle into his role.
Firat resigned citing non-payment of salary arrears under the previous Nick Mwendwa-led Football Kenya Federation (FKF).
FKF President Hussein Mohamed confirmed McCarthy’s appointment earlier this week, expressing confidence in the South African’s ability to steer the national team forward.
“He is highly qualified, and we believe he will help take the team in the right direction,” Mohamed told Nation Sport.
A source within FKF revealed that McCarthy will be unveiled alongside his assistant and another tactician at a ceremony set to take place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
“Once the new coach and his assistant have settled, Kimanzi will transition into another role as promised by the federation when he accepted the interim position,” the source said.
The 47-year-old has been handed a contract running through the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, which conclude on October 13. FKF will then decide whether to extend his tenure based on performance or seek a new head coach.
McCarthy’s first test will come on March 17, when Kenya plays Gambia away, followed by a home fixture against Gabon on March 24. The team is expected to enter camp in early March in preparation for these crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
McCarthy boasts an illustrious playing career, having featured for top clubs like Ajax, Celta Vigo, Porto, Blackburn Rovers, West Ham, and Orlando Pirates. He remains South Africa’s all-time top scorer, netting 31 goals in 79 appearances for Bafana Bafana.
As a coach, he served as a first-team coach at Manchester United between 2020 and 2024. He has also previously managed South African Premier League sides Cape Town City and Amazulu, as well as worked as an assistant coach at Belgian outfit Sint-Truiden.
Harambee Stars currently sit fourth in Group 'F' with five points from four matches. Group leaders Ivory Coast have 10 points, followed by Gabon (nine), Burundi (seven), Gambia (three), and Seychelles, who remain pointless.