In the ever-evolving landscape of African football, moments of hope often mingle with uncertainty. The arrival of Benni McCarthy as Harambee Stars head coach has injected a new sense of optimism and energy into the Kenyan football scene. Yet, just months into his tenure, McCarthy finds himself at the heart of swirling speculation about his future, even as legendary figures and local supporters rally behind his vision for the national team.
The appointment that raised expectations
McCarthy’s appointment as Kenya’s head coach in early March 2025 was a clear statement of intent by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF). Entrusted with a two-year contract, the South African football legend has inherited a role as demanding as it is promising. After a series of near-misses in major tournaments and a fresh failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), hopes for a new era rose with his unveiling.
The Federation placed its faith in McCarthy not just for his playing pedigree—a UEFA Champions League winner with a deep appreciation for the African game—but also for his coaching experience, having held posts in South Africa and with Manchester United. His immediate assignment was nothing short of transformative: reignite a talented but underachieving side, all with the co-hosting of AFCON 2027 looming on the horizon.
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Backing from African and European football icons
For many players and supporters, confidence grows not only from McCarthy’s resume but from the public support he continues to receive. Legendary English striker Andy Cole, speaking at a youth coaching clinic in Nairobi, did not hesitate to endorse McCarthy. “I have always had a good relationship with Benni. I think he will do a good job,” Cole said, emphasizing the valuable experience McCarthy brings from both African and European football.
Emmanuel Adebayor, another giant from the continent, also lent his support during a recent visit to Kenya. “He is good, and I wish him the best of luck and hopefully he will bring you guys back to the African Cup of Nations. Why not? Maybe win it, but it’s not going to be easy, but I wish him the best of luck.” With such high-profile endorsements, expectations for McCarthy’s impact are being set by more than just fans and administrators.
Learning the landscape and facing the first tests
McCarthy wasted little time immersing himself in local football. He has been spotted actively attending matches across all divisions, a statement of intent about his commitment to connecting with FKF Premier League coaches and identifying new talent. “I want to spend a lot of time getting to know the FKF Premier League coaches, so we can have a strong understanding,” McCarthy remarked after his appointment. This collaboration, he insists, will be essential for nurturing the next generation of Harambee Stars.
The South African’s impact was felt early. In his debut matches during the March international break—crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers—McCarthy guided the team to a thrilling 3-3 draw against Gambia and a narrow 2-1 loss to Gabon. While the first victory remains elusive, the team’s resilience and attacking potential under his watch have been widely praised.
The lure of home and the Orlando Pirates rumors
Despite the sense of building momentum, McCarthy’s name has unexpectedly surfaced in the South African media as a candidate for the soon-to-be vacant Orlando Pirates coaching role. Jose Riveiro, the current Pirates manager, has made public his decision not to renew his contract, accelerating the search for his successor and throwing McCarthy into the rumor mill.
The speculation is not without foundation. McCarthy enjoyed a celebrated stint with Orlando Pirates as a coach and commands respect and affection among their supporters. Yet, a detailed look at the situation suggests that, for several practical reasons, a return to South Africa appears unlikely at this stage:
- Benni McCarthy only recently signed a substantial two-year contract with Harambee Stars, indicating a commitment that would not be easy (or inexpensive) to terminate,
- his visible passion for embedding himself in the Kenyan football culture—scouting locally, building bridges with coaches, and sharing his vision—signals a coach invested in a bigger mission squared
- top South African coaches such as Pitso Mosimane and Gavin Hunt are available without complicated buyout clauses, providing easier options for the Pirates search committee cubed.
The mission ahead and the AFCON axis
For McCarthy, the call to lead the Harambee Stars is about more than a contract. It’s about reshaping the ambitions of a nation ahead of a milestone event: co-hosting the 2027 AFCON. The responsibility is both a personal and professional challenge. As Cole noted during his visit, African footballers face a unique set of difficulties when striving to make their mark abroad. Figures like McDonald Mariga and Victor Wanyama—Kenya’s standard-bearers in Europe’s top leagues—stand as rare but tangible proof of what’s possible when opportunity meets determination.
McCarthy champions this very ethos of possibility. By investing in local relationships and focusing on youth development, he is positioning Kenya not only for short-term improvements in results but for long-term progress—on the continental stage and beyond. His warning that Kenya’s opponents should “be scared of what is coming” is more than bravado; it reveals his belief in Kenyan potential and his aspiration to elevate the country to new footballing heights.
Human drama and the spirit of African football
At its core, the story unfolding around Benni McCarthy and the Harambee Stars is about the intersection of ambition, legacy, and the power of football to unite and inspire. Every match watched from the sidelines, every conversation with aspiring young players, every test on the pitch—each moment is a step on an unpredictable journey.
As the Kenyan team prepares for future qualifiers and the distant goal of a historic AFCON as co-hosts, there is an undercurrent of both pride and pressure. Support from admired role models, visible excitement at every local ground McCarthy visits, and even the distracting pull of return rumors all contribute to a rich, dynamic tapestry.
The months ahead will test McCarthy’s resolve, the commitment of the FKF, and the hunger of Kenya’s best to finally write a new chapter at the continental level. For supporters, all eyes are on the journey—and the human stories within it—that could finally see Kenya emerge as a true football force in Africa, under the stewardship of a coach who has known both the joy and heartbreak of the game’s highest peaks.
