Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has defended its decision to appoint Benni McCarthy as the new Harambee Stars head coach, describing the South African as the ideal candidate to lead the national team to greater heights.
Speaking at McCarthy’s unveiling, FKF president Hussein Mohammed highlighted the former Manchester United forwards coach’s competitive nature, experience, and deep understanding of African football as key factors in the federation’s choice.
“He has fire in his belly… very competitive and really wants to win. He is as Kenyan as it gets and understands the African culture. The South African culture and that of Kenya are not that different. We believe that given the experience that he has and with the right support, we will go all the way,” Mohammed said.
McCarthy, a UEFA Champions League winner with Porto in 2003, brings a wealth of experience from both his playing and coaching career.
He has worked with clubs such as Ajax Amsterdam, Blackburn Rovers, West Ham United, and most recently, Manchester United, where he was part of Erik ten Hag’s technical bench.
His coaching resume includes stints at Cape Town City and AmaZulu in South Africa, where he earned praise for his tactical approach and ability to develop young talent.
FKF believes these qualities will be instrumental in shaping a competitive Harambee Stars squad ahead of major competitions, including the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
McCarthy’s appointment also offers a glimpse into the strategy of FKF, which opted for a coach with high-level international experience rather than local candidates.
The decision signals Kenya’s ambition to compete with the best in Africa, with Mohammed insisting that McCarthy has the expertise to transform the team’s fortunes.
The South African tactician has signed a two-year contract, and his first major assignment will be leading Harambee Stars against Gabon in a 2026 World Cup qualifier on March 24 at Nyayo Stadium.
It will be the first time the national team plays a competitive match at home since 2022, adding to the weight of expectation on McCarthy’s shoulders.
As Kenya embarks on this new football chapter, FKF remains confident that McCarthy’s leadership will inject a winning mentality into the squad, setting the stage for a brighter future in Kenyan football.
