)
Vasili Manousakis has made clear why he reunited with Benni McCarthy, citing passion, belief, and a bold new project.
Harambee Stars assistant coach Vasili Manousakis has opened up on the factors that convinced him to reunite with long-time colleague Benni McCarthy.
Manousakis, who has had stints alongside McCarthy at both AmaZulu FC and Cape Town City FC in the South African Premier Division, was brought on board alongside former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs and performance analyst Pilela Maposa.
“When he [Benni McCarthy] called me about this project, it was an interesting one because we had never discussed the national team before,” Manousakis told FARPost.
)
15:22 - 06.05.2025
Harambee Stars Coach Benni McCarthy Snubs Bafana Bafana As He Declares Allegiance
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has declared his allegiance if Kenya and his beloved South Africa's Bafana Bafana encounter each other.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News
A Familiar Call That Sparked a New Journey
)
The duo’s successful past collaborations laid the foundation for their latest venture in East Africa. Manousakis admits that the conversation with McCarthy brought back memories of a similar moment just before their joint move to AmaZulu.
“But I heard the passion inside him and his belief. It was sort of similar to the call I received just before we joined AmaZulu. He was very positive and confident. He even talked about the belief at that stage that there was a real opportunity to qualify for the World Cup, which was a very difficult task,” said Manousakis.
“I listened to him and of course when he told me the team that he was assembling again with Moeneeb [Josephs] and Pilela [Maposa], I said to myself, let’s go for it. Let’s go in a different direction and work together,” he added.
)
18:29 - 06.05.2025
Top 7 Most Humble African Footballers
Discover the top most humble African footballers who combine talent with character, including Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, and Didier Drogba.
Prior to making the switch to Kenya, Manousakis was serving as an assistant coach to Ernst Middendorp at Cape Town Spurs, competing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. Despite the steady job, the lure of international football and the challenge of guiding a national team proved too enticing to ignore.
Writing Their Own Chapter in African Football
)
The coaching staff is aiming to leave a lasting legacy in Kenya, inspired by the work of other leading coaches on the continent. For Manousakis, it is not just about results, but about contributing to a long-term vision.
“You have seen what some coaches are doing on the continent. Coach Rulani [Mokwena] and coach Fadlu [Davids]. I mean, really good stuff that they are doing, and we said let’s go and write our own type of history there, which will take some time,” he said.
This new chapter is not without its challenges. However, the infrastructure, local talent, and growing support in Kenya make the project an exciting one. With the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on the horizon and plans for a new stadium underway, Manousakis sees great potential for success.
Nairobi Beckons: A City of Promise and Opportunity
)
“It’s a fantastic City in Nairobi. There are some great stadiums, and they are busy building another stadium for the 2027 AFCON. I think if you look at the project and to get together again is great. It’s an honour and it’s very different from the day-to-day activities,” he said.
)
14:55 - 06.05.2025
'I Chose Not To Speak' - Fred Kerley Breaks Silence After Arrest
Fred Kerley has finally spoken after he was arrested for alleged assault.
The technical team has already begun immersing themselves in local football, attending league matches and youth tournaments, including the Under-20 AFCON games, as they assess the talent pool.
“We have been watching many local games, and obviously now the Under-20 at the AFCON. So it’s really exciting times,” Manousakis concluded.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)