Benni McCarthy has reportedly landed in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, where he is set to be introduced as the new head coach of the Harambee Stars.
The South African football legend reportedly triumphed over former Real Madrid star Claude Makélélé for the coveted position, according to FARPost.
McCarthy, who has built a strong network of professional relationships throughout his career, will bring along two trusted colleagues to form part of his technical team at the helm of Kenya’s national football team.
During his time as head coach at AmaZulu, McCarthy worked closely with Moeneeb Josephs, his former Orlando Pirates teammate, who served as the team’s goalkeeper coach.
The two have maintained a professional bond, and Josephs is expected to join McCarthy in his new role with the Harambee Stars, traveling with him to Kenya for the official unveiling.
Alongside Josephs, McCarthy is keen to bring in Vasili Manousakis, who has been an integral part of McCarthy’s coaching staff both at AmaZulu and Cape Town City. Manousakis has worked as an assistant coach under McCarthy’s guidance and is a trusted collaborator.
Read: Benni McCarthy Set to Bring Trusted Duo to Harambee Stars
However, the situation with Manousakis is a bit more complex. Currently serving as the assistant coach at Cape Town Spurs, where he is crucial in the club’s fight against relegation in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, Manousakis’ departure would require negotiation with Spurs.
Given the club’s precarious position, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) may need to step in to facilitate his release from his contract to join McCarthy’s backroom team in Kenya.
This appointment marks a significant career shift for McCarthy, who recently wrapped up his tenure as the first-team attacking coach at Manchester United. His move to coach the Harambee Stars represents a return to national team management after his time in Europe.
As McCarthy embarks on this new chapter, Josephs’ goalkeeping expertise and Manousakis’ tactical input, will be crucial as McCarthy hopes to elevate the Harambee Stars to new heights.
McCarthy’s appointment follows the resignation of Engin Firat, who stepped down after Kenya failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.