Former Harambee Stars player Elijah Onsika has urged the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to expedite the appointment of Benni McCarthy as the head coach of the national team. McCarthy, a former Manchester United forwards coach, has been identified by FKF as the preferred candidate to replace Engin Firat, who recently resigned amid a financial dispute with the federation.
FKF Faces Pressure After Firat’s Departure
Engin Firat’s tenure as Harambee Stars coach ended on a sour note after he cited non-payment for 12 months as the reason for his resignation. Firat, who managed the national team for over three years, has since demanded full compensation and threatened legal action if his dues are not settled.
Amid these challenges, FKF is looking to rebuild and sees him as the ideal candidate to lead Kenya’s football revival. Onsika believes that his extensive experience, both as a player and a coach, makes him the right choice to replace Firat.
“When I read that FKF was considering McCarthy for the role on a permanent basis, I didn’t hesitate. I thought to myself, we need him immediately. He has the expertise in African football and can be the ideal replacement for Engin (Firat),” Onsika told Flashscore.
McCarthy’s Stellar Resume
Benni McCarthy brings a wealth of experience to the table, both from his successful playing career and his achievements as a coach. A former striker, McCarthy enjoyed an illustrious career in Europe, featuring for clubs such as FC Porto and Blackburn Rovers.
His most recent role as a forwards coach at Manchester United further enhanced his reputation. During his tenure, Marcus Rashford achieved a career-best 30 goals in the 2022/2023 season, a feat widely attributed to McCarthy’s coaching influence.
“Recently, he was with Manchester United, and you could see how he shaped their strikers. His impact on the team was evident,” Onsika remarked.
Onsika also highlighted his potential impact on local talent, particularly Harambee Stars forward Michael Olunga.
“Coming to Kenya, he will help local players develop their skills. He will have the opportunity to work with Michael Olunga and help him grow further,” he added.
The Need for Prompt Action
Onsika cautioned FKF against delaying McCarthy’s appointment, noting that his services are in high demand. With his proven track record, he is likely to attract offers from other clubs and national teams, which could leave Kenya without their top choice.
“McCarthy is a man on demand because of his achievements, both as a player and a coach. FKF must act quickly to secure him, or he might accept another offer and turn down Kenya,” Onsika warned.
Balancing the Technical Bench
While Onsika supports his appointment, he also stressed the importance of including Kenyan coaches in the technical bench. He believes that a balanced team would inspire confidence within the local coaching community and provide valuable learning opportunities for Kenyan coaches.
“Since FKF has chosen McCarthy, I have no issue with that, but the technical bench must be balanced. We should not exclude Kenyan coaches. If McCarthy is appointed, he should have at least one or two local coaches on his team,” Onsika emphasized.
He pointed to Engin Firat’s coaching structure as an example, which included multiple technical staff members, such as a goalkeeper trainer. Onsika urged FKF to adopt a similar approach to demonstrate trust in local talent and boost morale among Kenyan coaches.
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A Step Toward Revitalizing Kenyan Football
The appointment of Benni is seen as a potential turning point for Harambee Stars. Onsika expressed optimism that McCarthy’s leadership could elevate the national team’s performance and provide a strong foundation for future success.
With his experience in African football and his proven ability to develop players, McCarthy’s appointment could signal a new era for Kenyan football. Onsika’s call for a balanced technical bench further underscores the need for collaboration and inclusivity to achieve long-term success.
As FKF deliberates on his appointment, the focus remains on securing the services of a coach capable of transforming Kenya’s fortunes on the international stage.
