Former Manchester United striker and South African football legend, Benni McCarthy, has been named the new head coach of the Harambee Stars, just three weeks ahead of their World Cup qualification campaign.
McCarthy will make his debut later this month with an away match against The Gambia, followed by a home clash with Gabon.
Kenya currently sits four points behind second-placed Gabon in World Cup qualifying Group F, trailing leaders Ivory Coast by five points.
The group winners will qualify for the World Cup, while the four best runners-up will have a chance to progress through a second round.
Currently ranked 108th in the FIFA world rankings, Kenya is in fourth place in their qualification group, with six matches remaining to secure progression to the next stage.
At his unveiling, McCarthy expressed his enthusiasm about taking on the role, sharing his goals for the team.
“It’s been an absolute privilege and pleasure to be here in Kenya. I am delighted, and I can’t wait to start this new journey… making Kenya one of the powerhouses in Africa again,” the former Manchester United forwards coach said.
The 47-year-old succeeds Francis Kimanzi, who had been serving as interim coach following the resignation of Turkish coach Firat Engin last year.
Joining McCarthy on his technical bench are Vasili Manousakis as Assistant Coach, Moeneeb Josephs as Goalkeepers Coach, and Pilela Maposa as Performance Analyst. All four have signed two-year contracts.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed expressed confidence in the new coaching staff, stating,
“After a rigorous selection process, we are confident that Benni McCarthy is the right person to lead our national team forward. His experience, vision, and commitment to developing Kenyan football align perfectly with our ambitions. Alongside him, we welcome Vasili Manousakis as Assistant Coach, Moeneeb Josephs as Goalkeepers Coach, and Pilela Maposa as Performance Analyst. This team brings a wealth of expertise, and we believe they will instil tactical discipline, structure, and a winning mentality as we prepare for upcoming competitions.”
Benni McCarthy with Cristiano Ronaldo during his days as Manchester United coach.
McCarthy’s most recent coaching role was with Erik ten Hag’s staff at Manchester United, but he left the club last summer to return to management.
McCarthy’s appointment is a historic one, as he becomes only the third African coach from outside Kenya to lead the Harambee Stars, following Nigeria’s Christian Chukwu and Algerian-Belgian Adel Amrouche.
