Benni McCarthy: Why Harambee Stars Coach Remains High-Profile Candidate for Orlando Pirates Job Despite Key Hindrance

Despite being contracted to the Kenyan national fooball team Harambee Stars, Benni McCarthy remains a top candidate for the Orlando Pirates coaching job.

Benni McCarthy’s name continues to dominate discussions surrounding the vacant Orlando Pirates coaching role and for good reason.

Despite currently being under contract as the head coach of Kenya’s Harambee Stars, the Bafana Bafana legend remains a high-profile and widely respected candidate for the South African giants, according to those closest to him.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

Benni McCarthy Gets Nod of Approval

Moeneeb Josephs, McCarthy’s former teammate at Pirates and now a trusted member of his technical staff with the Harambee Stars, has come out strongly in support of McCarthy’s potential return to the Buccaneers.

While acknowledging that the final decision rests with the Orlando Pirates hierarchy, Josephs did not shy away from expressing his belief that McCarthy is the right man to take the team forward.

“At the end of the day, Orlando Pirates will make that decision of who's the best candidate,” said Josephs in a recent Soccer Beat podcast on YouTube.

“I have my personal opinion as well on why I feel a certain candidate should be getting the job. But at the end of the day, we can be speaking about whoever. Orlando Pirates will make the proper decision.”

Josephs highlighted McCarthy’s deep-rooted understanding of the club’s culture, his track record, and the winning mentality he brings to every setup he leads.

“For me, I feel that's the best candidate because he understands the culture, he understands what they need, he has that winning mentality.”

In drawing comparisons with other names linked to the role, notably Rulani Mokwena Josephs made it clear that iMcCarthy is the better fit.

“Yes, Rulani has his own experience across the world, but he had the opportunity to come to Orlando Pirates and, for me, it wasn't a success. He left with a building burnt down. So those little things sit with me that really doesn't sit good with me.”

McCarthy's Return to Orlando Pirates Hindrance

The major obstacle, however, remains McCarthy’s current contract with the Football Kenya Federation.

Appointed to guide Kenya through upcoming continental competitions, including the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) and 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, McCarthy has significant responsibilities with the Harambee Stars.

Still, Josephs insists McCarthy embodies what Pirates need right now, a new direction, energy, and clear purpose.

“I think we need a new face, a new agenda, a new personality to drive this foundation — this foundation that has been laid for us. We just need someone to take it to that next level. And my candidate will always remain, and he's still that guy.”

As the club weighs its options, the backing of someone as close to McCarthy as Josephs adds fuel to the speculation.

Whether Pirates act on the growing call to bring back their former striker as head coach may come down to negotiations beyond the pitch.