Kenya’s Harambee Stars and Benni McCarthy’s vision have become the talk of African football in 2025. Appointed as Kenya’s head coach in March, McCarthy—a legend of South African football and former Manchester United attacking coach—has swiftly moved to instill his philosophy, drawing inspiration from European managerial greats and placing youth at the heart of his ambitions for AFCON 2027.
A coaching appointment with bold ambition
From the outset, McCarthy’s tenure was marked by urgency and high expectations. Tasked with leading Kenya through the 2026 World Cup qualification and planning for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania, McCarthy wasted no time in sharing a clear, ambitious target—he wants Kenya to compete for nothing less than a semi-final or final appearance at their home AFCON. “Our chance of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup is very slim but in 2027, we are the hosts of Africa Cup of Nations and my full focus will be on getting the best team out there… Kenya will not just be there to participate, but be at least in the semi-final or final,” McCarthy stated.
Drawing from the best—Ancelotti and Alonso as role models
Central to McCarthy’s approach is a blend of structure, respect, and freedom—a combination he admires in elite managers like Carlo Ancelotti and Xabi Alonso. He described Ancelotti as someone who “oozes respect” and is revered by players, a virtue McCarthy believes is essential to sustained success. Xabi Alonso, meanwhile, represents a new generation of managers who demonstrate tactical discipline yet offer players room for self-expression. “If you look at modern-day football, Don Carlo Ancelotti is the prime example. Players respect him a lot. A younger version is Xabi Alonso. His teams have freedom but operate under clear rules,” McCarthy shared, underlining his intention to merge these influences within Kenya’s setup.
Blending youth and experience for long-term growth
One of McCarthy’s most significant early observations lies in the potential of Kenya’s youth. The recent exploits of the Under-20 “Rising Stars” at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Cairo sparked optimism, with the talented squad holding traditional powerhouse Nigeria to a thrilling 2-2 draw. Despite a group-stage exit, their performances excited both McCarthy and Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed. “It’s our first time in the AFCON Under-20 Championships, and I think we’ve seen the type of football the young lads are playing—it’s very commendable,” Mohammed said, noting the importance of nurturing this generation for future senior success.
Priority on integration and consistency
Plans are already underway to integrate outstanding Rising Stars talents into the Harambee Stars squad. Young midfielder Manzur Okwaro illustrates this approach, having already earned a senior call-up during the March international break, a testament to McCarthy’s willingness to reward youth and invest in long-term squad development. The likes of Kevin Wangaya, Baron Ochieng, and Aldrine Kibet, who have caught the eyes of both local and international scouts, are also set to be considered for senior roles in the upcoming CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup and African Nations Championship.
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McCarthy’s management style—structure with an open door
As a coach, McCarthy believes in fostering strong bonds with his players. Reflecting on his own career as a sometimes difficult but passionate footballer, he emphasizes a player’s perspective. “I take a look at my career and I was not the easiest player. I try to be the coach I would have loved to have when I was playing,” he stated. His management hinges on approachability—a willingness to be open to player concerns and maintain an honest dialogue.
However, this freedom is not without limits. Discipline, respect, and commitment to team culture are non-negotiable in McCarthy’s regime. “There are rules within how open we are. There is also an element of discipline and rules. If players abide by that, we will have a really smooth relationship,” he stressed. Players who put themselves above the team will not fit into McCarthy’s plans, underlining a new era of accountability for the Harambee Stars.
A challenging start and a promising foundation
The early results under McCarthy have reflected both promise and the scale of the challenge. Kenya drew 3-3 away to The Gambia before a narrow 2-1 defeat at home to Gabon—outcomes that have all but ended World Cup qualification hopes, but also highlighted the raw quality and fighting spirit in the squad. “Just to experience, to see the quality and potential in the team was exciting,” McCarthy remarked, underscoring his conviction that better preparation, structure, and time will yield improved results.
The road ahead—Building towards AFCON 2027
Looking to the future, McCarthy is clear: the next two years are about transformation, not just participation. Integrating U20 standouts, fostering experience through regional competitions, and instilling a culture where players are both respected and held to the highest standards are all part of his AFCON 2027 blueprint. “I live, eat, sleep, breathe football so I wanted that challenge… my full focus will be on getting the best team out there and getting the best young players together,” McCarthy declared.
With Kenya co-hosting the continent’s biggest football showpiece, the stakes are as high as the sense of opportunity. The groundwork is being laid for a squad that not only carries the hopes of a nation but is also equipped to meet them with unity, discipline, and fearless ambition.
Conclusion—A hopeful dawn for Harambee Stars
As the dust settles on McCarthy’s opening months and Kenya’s footballing landscape braces for revival, a new narrative is taking shape—one defined by vision, respect, and a shared belief that the Harambee Stars can rise. For Kenyan supporters, the journey under Benni McCarthy promises to be nothing short of captivating—a rare moment where the lessons of the past and the promise of tomorrow unite beneath one flag, with eyes firmly set on continental glory in 2027.
