Former Man Utd Coach Benni McCarthy Set to Become Harambee Stars Head Coach
South African football legend Benni McCarthy is on the verge of being announced as the new head coach of Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars.
A source at the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) confirmed to Newshub.co.ke that McCarthy, who previously served as a first-team coach at English giants Manchester United, will take over the role by the end of the week. He is set to replace interim coach Francis Kimanzi as the federation looks to bring stability to the team.
For weeks, speculation has surrounded McCarthy’s appointment, but now it appears to be a done deal. The highly-rated coach is expected to arrive in Kenya in the middle of the week before his official unveiling at the end of the week. In a show of commitment to Kenyan football, McCarthy is also set to attend the highly anticipated Mashemeji Derby on Sunday—a historic clash between Kenya’s most successful clubs, Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards.
His appointment comes at a critical time, with Kenya gearing up for important FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gabon and Gambia. Once confirmed, McCarthy will immediately begin preparing the team for these high-stakes matches.
FKF Assures Fans of a Strong Appointment
FKF President Hussein Mohammed had earlier assured Kenyan football fans that the federation was dedicated to securing a highly qualified coach who could take Harambee Stars to the next level.
“FKF is working to appoint a substantive coach and a strong technical bench to help us meet our objectives. That is why the current technical team has only been serving on an interim basis. Once we finalize all the necessary details, we will make an official announcement on the new head coach,” Mohammed told the Nation earlier this year.
McCarthy will be the first permanent head coach since Turkish tactician Engin Firat, whose tenure was marked by instability. Firat’s three-year stint saw constant criticism from fans and stakeholders due to inconsistent performances, salary delays, and challenges in team management.
McCarthy’s Rich Football Legacy
Benni McCarthy is widely regarded as one of South Africa’s greatest footballers. The former striker remains Bafana Bafana’s all-time leading goal scorer, netting 31 goals in 74 appearances. His intelligent movement in the box and lethal finishing ability made him a key player for South Africa, especially during the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cup tournaments.
McCarthy enjoyed a decorated club career, playing in some of the world’s most prestigious leagues, including:
- English Premier League (Blackburn Rovers, West Ham United)
- La Liga (Spain) (Celta Vigo)
- Dutch Eredivisie (Ajax Amsterdam)
- Portuguese Primeira Liga (FC Porto)
- South African Premier Soccer League (Orlando Pirates)
One of the highlights of his career came in 2004, when he played a crucial role in FC Porto’s UEFA Champions League victory under Jose Mourinho—a moment that cemented his place in football history.
McCarthy’s Coaching Journey
After retiring from professional football, McCarthy transitioned into coaching and quickly made a name for himself. He had successful stints as head coach of Cape Town City FC and AmaZulu FC in South Africa, leading both clubs to strong league finishes and continental competitions.
His most recent coaching role was with Manchester United, where he was part of Erik ten Hag’s first-team coaching staff from 2022 to 2024. As an attacking coach, McCarthy worked closely with elite players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, and helped United win the Carabao Cup during the 2022-2023 season.
Despite his success at United, McCarthy chose not to renew his contract, expressing his desire to take up a head coach role. Now, he looks set to embark on a new challenge with Harambee Stars.
With his wealth of experience and proven track record in both playing and coaching, McCarthy’s arrival could mark the beginning of an exciting new era for Kenyan football.
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