Uganda’s neighbours Kenya have appointed South African football legend Benni McCarthy as the new head coach of the national team, Harambee Stars.
The 47-year-old has signed a two-year contract that extends until the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
After his unveiling, McCarthy expressed his excitement about the opportunity, revealing that he had other job offers, particularly from Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs in the U.S. However, Kenya’s project stood out to him.
“I won’t say demand, but I did have a few interviews for jobs mostly with MLS clubs in the U.S. Then this came back, and I think it’s a sleeping giant in my eyes,” McCarthy said.
He praised Kenya’s potential, noting that the country has talented young players, many of whom play in Europe.
He believes that with the right mindset and mentality, the team can achieve something special.
“When I spoke to the federation, Deputy President McDonald Mariga told my agent that they were very interested in me. It’s always nice when people show respect and admiration for what you’ve achieved, and it made me want to share the same passion and vision for this team,” he added.
McCarthy also highlighted his own journey from Africa to Europe, surviving and flourishing at the highest level.
He sees this as a source of inspiration for Kenyan players to push beyond their limits and take the national team to greater heights.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed expressed confidence in McCarthy’s appointment, emphasizing his experience, mentality, and commitment to developing Kenyan football.
McCarthy’s first major challenge will be preparing the team for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Kenya currently sits fourth in Group F, five points behind leaders Ivory Coast, but with six matches left to play.
The next fixtures are crucial matchups against The Gambia and Gabon later this month.
The group winner secures direct qualification to the World Cup, while the top four runners-up get another chance through a second-round playoff.
McCarthy’s appointment is part of a broader strategy to revamp Kenyan football ahead of AFCON 2027.
His vast experience as both a player and coach is expected to inject a fresh perspective into the team.
With 80 caps for South Africa and a playing career that included stints at Ajax, Celta Vigo, Porto (where he won the 2004 UEFA Champions League), Blackburn Rovers, and West Ham United, McCarthy brings elite-level football knowledge to Kenya.
His coaching career includes successful spells at Cape Town City, AmaZulu, and most recently, as a first-team coach at Manchester United under Erik ten Hag.
