Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy has been named the new head coach of Kenya, according to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).
McCarthy, 47, will be joined in Kenya by assistant coach Vasili Manousakis, goalkeeping coach Moneeb Josephs, and performance analyst Pilela Maposa.
FKF president Hussein Mohammed expressed confidence in McCarthy, stating that after a thorough selection process, they believe he is the ideal person to lead the national team forward. “Benni’s experience, vision, and dedication to developing Kenyan football align perfectly with our goals,” Mohammed said.
Upon his appointment, McCarthy shared his excitement for the role, noting that he sees great potential in Kenyan football. “I’m honored to take on this role and thrilled about the journey ahead. I’ve studied the talent in Kenya, and I truly believe there is immense potential to compete at the highest level,” McCarthy said. “My coaching team and I are committed to creating a disciplined, competitive squad that plays exciting football and makes the nation proud.”
This move follows McCarthy’s departure from Manchester United at the end of last season, where he worked as a first-team coach specializing in strikers under former manager Erik ten Hag.
McCarthy’s tenure with Kenya begins with the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon on March 17 and 24, respectively. The Harambee Stars, who missed out on the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, are currently fourth in their World Cup qualifying group with five points from four matches.
It remains unclear if McCarthy will also oversee Kenya’s participation in the CHAN tournament in August, or if local coaches will handle those matches.
McCarthy’s coaching experience includes managerial roles in South Africa’s PSL with Cape Town City FC and AmaZulu FC. He also had an illustrious playing career, earning 79 caps for Bafana Bafana between 1997 and 2012, scoring a record 31 goals.
Currently, Kenya is ranked 25th in Africa and 108th in the world according to the latest FIFA rankings.
