On March 3, 2025, South African football legend Benni McCarthy was officially unveiled as the new head coach of Kenya’s national football team, the Harambee Stars, marking a significant moment for Kenyan football. The ceremony took place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) Pavilion in Nairobi at 1:45 PM EAT, attended by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) officials, stakeholders, and enthusiastic fans. This appointment ends weeks of speculation and anticipation surrounding McCarthy’s potential role, with the event streamed live on the Harambee Stars’ official Facebook page for supporters worldwide to witness.
McCarthy, a former Manchester United first-team coach and a celebrated player with a UEFA Champions League title from his time at FC Porto, succeeds Engin Firat, who resigned in December 2024 due to unpaid wages and the team’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The 47-year-old signed a two-year contract that will see him lead the team through to the 2027 AFCON, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania. His immediate challenge is to revive the Harambee Stars’ campaign in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with crucial matches against The Gambia on March 17 and Gabon at Nyayo National Stadium on March 24.
Inside the Unveiling: What Really Happened?
During his unveiling, McCarthy expressed his excitement and ambition for the role, stating, “It’s been an absolute privilege and pleasure to be here in Kenya. I am delighted and can’t wait to start our new journey… making Kenya again one of the powerhouses in Africa.” He emphasized his intent to leverage his extensive experience—both as a player at top clubs like Ajax, Porto, and Blackburn Rovers, and as a coach at Manchester United, AmaZulu, and Cape Town City—to elevate Kenyan football. FKF President Hussein Mohammed echoed this optimism, praising McCarthy’s competitive spirit and deep understanding of African football, saying, “He has fire in his belly… we believe with the right support, we will go all the way.”
Also Read: Benni McCarthy Takes the Helm: A New Era for Harambee Stars
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions. While many fans and stakeholders see McCarthy’s appointment as a bold step forward, given his proven track record and international pedigree, some local coaches, like Kakamega Homeboyz’s Francis Baraza, have criticized the FKF for overlooking Kenyan talent. Nonetheless, McCarthy’s attacking philosophy and tactical acumen are expected to bring a fresh approach to a team currently struggling in fourth place in their World Cup qualifying group, behind Ivory Coast, Gabon, and Burundi.
Who Will Benni McCarthy Team Up With?
McCarthy will not work alone; he has assembled a trusted backroom staff, including Vasili Manousakis as assistant coach, Moeneeb Josephs as goalkeeping coach, and Pilela Maposa as performance analyst—colleagues who supported his successful tenure at AmaZulu. Local coach Nicholas Muyoti is also set to join as an assistant, bridging international expertise with Kenyan insight. As Harambee Stars fans look ahead to the upcoming qualifiers and the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August, all eyes are on McCarthy to see if he can transform the team’s fortunes and restore Kenya’s standing in African football.