Benni McCarthy, the newly appointed head coach of Kenya’s national football team, aims to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. He signed a two-year deal that extends through the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. McCarthy, a South African football icon, brings significant coaching experience, including time at Manchester United. He emphasizes a strong work ethic among players to inspire local pride in the national team.
Benni McCarthy, appointed as the new head coach of Kenya’s national football team, the Harambee Stars, has expressed his ambition for the team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The South African coach signed a two-year contract, extending his leadership until the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host alongside Tanzania and Uganda. McCarthy succeeds interim coach Francis Kimanzi, who took over following the departure of Turkish coach Engin Firat.
Kenya currently sits fourth in Group F of World Cup qualifiers, trailing leaders Ivory Coast by five points. McCarthy aims to lead the team to victory in the upcoming qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon. He stated, “Participating in the World Cup, it is one of the most special feelings in the world and I want to give them that,” emphasizing the importance of a strong mentality from the players to achieve success.
With an impressive playing career that included participation in the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, McCarthy is recognized as South Africa’s all-time record goalscorer. Despite Kenya’s lack of World Cup qualifications, McCarthy believes they can “surprise a lot of people” with their performance. Only group winners secure automatic qualification for the tournament scheduled to take place across Canada, Mexico, and the USA.
In terms of experience, McCarthy has worked under renowned managers such as Jose Mourinho and Erik ten Hag. His coaching journey began as an assistant at Belgian club Sint-Truiden, later managing Cape Town City and AmaZulu. Most recently, he was part of Manchester United’s coaching staff under Ten Hag, eager to contribute to African football with this new role in Kenya.
Kenya’s football federation (FKF) has undergone significant changes, recently restructured after a suspension due to administrative issues. With elections complete, McCarthy’s appointment signifies a commitment to rejuvenating Kenyan football. He has pledged a rigorous working philosophy, aiming to instill a sense of pride and identity in the national team, stating, “For me, it’s about giving the fans, the true Kenyan, an identity.” McCarthy aspires to cultivate a national team that embodies hard work, loyalty, and passion on the field.
Benni McCarthy’s appointment as Kenya’s head coach reflects a strong commitment to improving the nation’s football. With aspirations for World Cup qualification and a promising strategy to instill a competitive spirit among players, McCarthy aims to create a national team that Kenyans can be proud of. His extensive background in both playing and coaching positions him well to lead the Harambee Stars toward success in future tournaments.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
