In a candid and revealing press briefing at the ongoing CHAN PAMOJA 2024 tournament, Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy made it clear that his time with the national team is limited. The South African tactician, who took charge in March 2025, has a contract that runs until the conclusion of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania. While he is fully committed to leading the Harambee Stars to success, his long-term ambition lies firmly in the world of club football.
McCarthy's reasoning is rooted in his coaching philosophy and his passion for day-to-day engagement with players. "My ambition is to one day go back to managing club football," he explained. "That’s what I can’t see myself as a national team coach for 10 years or more, as I would prefer to do this daily. I like training with the players every day, and at the national team, you do not get that." He emphasized that the limited time with national teams, often just during international breaks, is not enough for him to "pass on the knowledge" and "improve players to become better."
He further elaborated on his timeline, saying, "Ten years for me, maybe when I am 70, I can come back and hopefully Kenya might consider me for a longer-term national team role, maybe 10 or 15 years, but for now, I am too young to manage a national team in my whole career." This statement provides a clear and honest perspective on his career path, a path that has already included notable roles coaching AmaZulu and Cape Town City in South Africa, as well as a significant position as an attacking coach at Manchester United.
Despite his long-term plans, McCarthy's short tenure with the Harambee Stars is already yielding impressive results. The team has shown remarkable determination and tactical discipline under his guidance. This was evident in their recent 1-1 draw against Angola in the CHAN 2024 tournament. Playing with ten men for over 70 minutes after a red card, the Harambee Stars showcased immense resilience, securing a crucial point with disciplined defending and standout goalkeeping.
McCarthy's appointment was seen as a bold move by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), with hopes that he would lead the team to new heights. So far, he is delivering on that promise. His tactical adjustments during the Angola match, which absorbed immense pressure, demonstrated his coaching prowess and the positive impact he is having on the team. While his time in Kenya may be limited, his legacy will undoubtedly be defined by his ability to transform the Harambee Stars into a formidable and resilient force on the continental stage.
