Benni McCarthy Expected to be Appointed Head Coach of Harambee Stars

Benni McCarthy Expected to be Appointed Head Coach of Harambee Stars

South African football legend Benni McCarthy is set to take over as the new Harambee Stars head coach, with an official announcement expected soon.

The position has remained vacant since Engin Firat resigned in December, citing unpaid wages, shortly after Hussein Mohamed was elected as the new Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President.

Since then, FKF has been searching for a top-tier coach to guide the national team through upcoming competitions, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the African Nations Championship (CHAN), which Kenya will co-host.

Negotiations with McCarthy Finalized

Reports linking McCarthy to the job first emerged in December but had since gone quiet. However, fresh updates now indicate that negotiations have been successfully concluded, and FKF will make the appointment official soon.

“FKF continued negotiations with Benni McCarthy over the vacant Harambee Stars head coach role last week. Both parties are satisfied, and the appointment should be announced soon,” stated Pepeta’s Zachary Oguda.

Benni McCarthy’s Coaching Background

A former South African international, McCarthy is widely respected for his achievements in football. He was most recently part of Manchester United’s coaching staff under Erik ten Hag, serving as a forwards coach.

If appointed, this will be his first national team coaching job, following successful stints with Cape Town City and AmaZulu FC in South Africa.

McCarthy at Old Trafford.

During his playing career, McCarthy won multiple honours, including the 2004 UEFA Champions League with FC Porto under José Mourinho.

Tough Road Ahead in World Cup Qualifiers

McCarthy’s first major challenge will be leading Harambee Stars in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers:

  • March 19 – Away vs. Gambia
  • March 22 – Home vs. Gabon

Kenya is currently fourth in Group F with five points after four matches. Ivory Coast leads the group with 10 points, followed by Gabon (9 points) and Burundi (7 points). Gambia (3 points) and Seychelles (0 points) complete the standings.

With McCarthy expected to be officially unveiled soon, Kenyan football fans will be eager to see if he can inspire Harambee Stars to historic World Cup qualification.