Benedict Saul McCarthy, commonly known as Benni McCarthy, has been unveiled as the new head coach of the national men’s football team, the Harambee Stars.
He officially takes over from interim coach Francis Kimanzi, who had been in charge following the resignation of Turkish international Engin Firat last year December.
The South African football legend was announced as the 40th national team manager since 1961 on Monday, March 3, at the Serena Hotel in Nairobi.
Under a two-year contract set to run until 2027, the former UEFA Champions League winner officially embark on his mission to elevate Kenya to new heights.
He will be joined by former Cape Town Spurs FC assistant coach Vasili Manousakis who will serve as his assistant coach.
The coaching staff will also include former South African player Moeneeb Josephs as the goalkeepers’ coach while Pilela Maposa will assume the role of performance analyst.
Speaking during his unveiling ceremony, the 47-year-old expressed his excitement about joining Kenya and his ambitious goals for the team.
“I am extremely delighted to be here today in Kenya, and I cannot wait to embark on this new journey to elevate Kenya back to being one of the powerhouses of African football,” Benni McCarthy said.
Straight to work for Benni McCarthy
Having missed the opportunity to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in Morocco, McCarthy’s first challenge will be to lead the national team toward qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
His debut match will be against Gambia on March 17, 2025, a daunting task as Kenya currently sits in fourth place in Group F with five points.
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In the same month, McCarthy will also have the chance to manage his first home match against Gabon, which will take place at the Nyayo International Stadium for matchday six of the World Cup qualifiers.
Additionally, McCarthy will be tasked with preparing the national team’s local players for the upcoming Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, which Kenya is set to co-host with Uganda and Tanzania in August.
The Kenyan public will be eager to see now the squad McCarthy selects, hoping he can transform the national team and steer it toward brighter prospects.
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