McCarthy Takes Over as Harambee Stars Coach
Benni McCarthy was officially unveiled as the new head coach of Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars, in a ceremony held in Nairobi on March 3, 2025. The former South African international takes over from Francis Kimanzi, who had been serving in an interim capacity following the departure of Engin Firat in December 2024.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has entrusted him with the task of reviving Kenya’s football fortunes, handing him a two-year contract. Joining him are three members of his backroom staff, all from South Africa: Vasili Manoussakis as assistant coach, Joseph Moeneb as goalkeeper coach, and Pilela Maposa as performance analyst.
Kenyans React to McCarthy’s Appointment
As expected, Kenyans took to various social media platforms to share their opinions on McCarthy’s appointment. While some expressed optimism that he would bring much-needed tactical discipline to the national team, others voiced concerns over the hiring of a foreign coach instead of promoting a qualified local manager.
Sport’s senior writer, Kevin Teya, supported the decision, pointing out that McCarthy’s full technical team would eliminate excuses of internal sabotage.
“I am glad that he has an all-South African bench. At least he won’t accuse local saboteurs in case he’s not successful,” said Teya.
Similarly, CAF D License holder Wuod Ongare welcomed the new technical team, emphasizing that McCarthy’s vast experience in Europe and Africa could help transform Harambee Stars.
“The new Harambee Technical Team is a step in the right direction. McCarthy has all the experience needed for modern football. I hope he will have the free role of selecting players based on merit without interference from the federation, as we have seen in the past,” he stated.
Alex Ngare, CEO of fans’ club Swara FC, acknowledged that McCarthy had been given all the necessary support and now had no excuse for failure.
“It is good that the coach has been given full authority of the team. Whoever much is given, much is also expected,” Ngare remarked.
African football legend Benni McCarthy, the new Harambee Stars coach shares his journey to the team, vision and mission for the Kenyan National team.
| Full interview: https://t.co/8L9D4AOep8 pic.twitter.com/IXXOfqcy5V
— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) March 3, 2025
Concerns Over Local Football Development
While some fans were excited about McCarthy’s arrival, others were concerned that the appointment of an entirely foreign technical bench would limit opportunities for Kenyan coaches.
Former Gor Mahia treasurer, Sally Bolo, pointed out that having a local assistant coach would have facilitated knowledge transfer and continuity when the South African team was unavailable.
“While this team brings valuable experience, I strongly believe we should have at least one Kenyan assistant coach as an understudy. This would ensure continuity, especially during recess when the head coach and his staff are on vacation,” Bolo posted on Facebook.
Others, like Gaddafi Junior on KPL Chat, argued that Kenyan football should focus on developing its own coaches rather than relying on foreign tacticians.
“Kenya has enough qualified coaches for the position. FKF should prioritize local talent development instead of always hiring foreign coaches,” he posted.
McCarthy’s Immediate Tasks
McCarthy’s first challenge will be to prepare Harambee Stars for their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Gabon on March 24 in Nairobi. He will also oversee Kenya’s campaign in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which the country will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
The pressure will be on him to improve Kenya’s poor run of results, as the team has struggled in recent international competitions. FKF President Hussein Mohammed expressed confidence in the new coaching setup, stating that they believe McCarthy will instill tactical discipline and a winning mentality.
Fans’ Expectations from McCarthy
Many fans have set high expectations for McCarthy, urging him to revamp the squad by selecting in-form players rather than relying on past reputations. Others have called for a structured playing style, better youth development programs, and overall improvement in Kenya’s football standards.
An X (formerly Twitter) user, Amerucan, expressed hope that McCarthy would be given the necessary financial backing to succeed.
“I just hope they will be able to pay him. If provided with resources, I see Kibet (Aldrine) meeting Yamal in the World Cup finals,” he posted.
On the Facebook platform, Collins Koyo posted an open letter to McCarthy, outlining his expectations.
“Dear Coach McCarthy, Congratulations on your appointment as the head coach of the Harambee Stars! Your extensive experience as both a player and coach brings renewed optimism to Kenyan football. Please embrace local talent, engage with the community, leverage your experience, focus on upcoming fixtures, and build a resilient team culture. Wishing you great success,” he wrote.
McCarthy’s Coaching Background
McCarthy, a UEFA Champions League-winning player with FC Porto, transitioned into coaching in 2014. He started his coaching career at Scottish club Hibernian before moving to Belgian side Sint-Truiden as an assistant coach.
In 2016, he took his first head coaching job at Cape Town City FC, where he won the MTN 8 Cup in 2018. However, after a poor run of results, he was dismissed in 2019. He later managed Amazulu FC, guiding them to a historic second-place finish in the South African Premier Soccer League and qualification for the CAF Champions League.
His last coaching role was at Manchester United, where he served as a first-team coach under Erik ten Hag from 2022 to 2024.
Will McCarthy Succeed?
While many fans are optimistic about McCarthy’s tenure, his success will largely depend on how well he adapts to the Kenyan football landscape and whether FKF gives him full control to implement his vision. With his first major assignment fast approaching, all eyes will be on how he sets up Harambee Stars against Gabon.
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