Benni McCarthy has officially been appointed as the new head coach of the Kenya national football team, ending weeks of speculation that had linked him to the role.
The former Bafana Bafana striker, known for his successful playing career, revealed that he had received offers from various parts of the world but ultimately decided to take on the challenge of coaching Kenya.
Why Benni Chose Kenya
McCarthy shared his thoughts on why he chose Kenya over other potential opportunities.
He explained that while he had a few interviews, particularly with MLS clubs, he saw Kenya as a “sleeping giant” with enormous potential.
He admired the talent within the country, including players who have made a name for themselves in Europe.
“I think Kenya has a lot of potential,” McCarthy said. “If you can harness the right mindset and mentality, there’s something special that can be done with this team.”
He added that after speaking to officials from the Football Federation of Kenya (FKF), including deputy president McDonald Mariga, he felt respected and encouraged by their interest in him.
“The respect and admiration from the federation were clear, and they believe my journey from Africa to Europe and my experiences could help take Kenya’s football to the next level.”
McCarthy’s Coaching Background
Though many had expected McCarthy to take on a high-profile role in Europe, his new position with the Harambee Stars marks an exciting step in his coaching career.
Before this, McCarthy was an assistant coach at Manchester United, where he worked closely with Erik ten Hag and played a key role in helping Marcus Rashford achieve his most successful season with 30 goals across all competitions.
Reflecting on his time with Rashford, McCarthy said, “Rashy is a special player, but with me, it was always about being direct and honest with him.
I didn’t sugarcoat things because I wanted him to perform for the team, not just to hear what he wanted to hear.”
Before joining Manchester United, McCarthy had experience coaching at Cape Town City and AmaZulu FC, and now, with the Kenya national team, he’s stepping into the biggest role of his managerial career.
The Challenge Ahead for the Harambee Stars
The expectations for McCarthy are high. While Kenya is a regular competitor in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), they’ve missed out on the upcoming tournament in December, and McCarthy will be tasked with guiding them back to the continent’s premier football competition.
The Harambee Stars also face a challenge in World Cup qualifiers, as they have never managed to secure a spot in the global tournament.
McCarthy’s leadership and vision will be crucial in helping Kenya break through these barriers and elevate the team to new heights.