FKF Set to Appoint Former Manchester United Coach as New Harambee Stars Head Coach
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is expected to hire Benni McCarthy as the new head coach of the national men’s football team, Harambee Stars.
FKF, guided by a task force led by Deputy President McDonald Mariga, has been searching for a new coach after Engin Firat resigned earlier this month.
According to Kevin Teya, the process is now complete. After interviewing several candidates, FKF has chosen McCarthy for the role.
Who is Benni McCarthy?
McCarthy, a South African, has extensive experience but will be taking on his first national team coaching job. His most recent role was as an assistant coach at Manchester United, where he worked with the forwards under Erik Ten Hag.
Born in 1977, McCarthy started his career at South African clubs Seven Stars and Cape Town Spurs before joining Ajax in 1997.
McCarthy’s Career Under Jose Mourinho
In 1999, McCarthy moved to Celta Vigo in Spain for three years before joining Porto in 2003. He was part of the Porto team that won the 2004 Champions League under Jose Mourinho.
After leaving Porto, he played in England for Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United before returning to South Africa to finish his career at Orlando Pirates in 2013.
McCarthy’s Coaching Experience
This will be McCarthy’s first national team position. After retiring, he became a coach, starting as an assistant at Hibernian and Sint-Truiden. He later managed Cape Town City and Amazulu in the South African Premier Soccer League.
McCarthy’s Role at Manchester United
In 2022, McCarthy joined Manchester United as an assistant coach under Erik Ten Hag. He left the role last season but is credited with helping Marcus Rashford find excellent form after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Interim Coach Francis Kimanzi
If McCarthy is appointed, he will replace Francis Kimanzi, who was made interim coach. Kimanzi took over for Harambee Stars during the Mapinduzi Cup, which will take place early next year.
It is unclear whether McCarthy will be in charge in time for the African Nations Championships (CHAN).
FKF Set to Appoint Former Manchester United Coach as New Harambee Stars Head Coach
