Harambee Stars Boss Benni McCarthy Spoted in High Spirits at Local Kenyan League Match Amid Shock Exit Links

Harambee Stars Boss Benni McCarthy Spoted in High Spirits at Local Kenyan League Match Amid Shock Exit Links

Mark Kinyanjui 13:22 - 20.04.2025

Benni McCarthy has recently been linked with a move away from Kenya's Harambee Stars barely two months since being appointed new head coach

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy does not seem to be distracted by reports linking him with a move away from Kenya barely two months since signing on as new head coach after he was spotted at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi on Friday.

McCarthy, who has already expressed a strong interest in actively attending local football games across all the divisions in order to look for players who can go in line with his vision for Harambee Stars, was at the ground to watch the Afande Derby between Ulinzi Stars and Kenya Police.

The match, which had several established internationals, as well as other handy prospects take part in the match, saw the home side Ulinzi Stars emerge victorious following a 1-0 win over the Law Enforcers thanks to a Boniface Muchiri winner.

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On Friday, Pulse Sports had reported that McCarthy had emerged among the top names being associated with the coaching role at South African giants Orlando Pirates.

However, it does not look as if the former Blackburn striker, who took charge of his first two games for Harambee Stars in March, will be going anywhere anytime soon.

This appointment followed his coaching stints at South African sides AmaZulu and Cape Town City, as well as a first-team coach role at Manchester United as part of former manager Erik ten Hag's backroom staff.

McCarthy has already expressed a desire to work with local FKFPL coaches to scout talents for Harambee Stars, and being spotted at Ulinzi Sports Complex may have been a sign he is already working with them.

He believes that fostering good relationships with FKF Premier League coaches will help him better understand the players, facilitating a smoother transition to the senior national team.

“I want to spend a lot of time getting to know the FKF Premier League coaches, so we can have a strong understanding,” McCarthy said during his unveiling in March. 

“They work with the players every day, and we need to collaborate to bring up young talent.

“It’s essential to build a good relationship between national team coaches and local coaches so that young players can grow and one day represent Harambee Stars at the highest level. That’s my approach,” McCarthy 

McCarthy’s time at Harambee Stars

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy. Photo. Imago Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy. Photo. Imago

The South African tactician has been tasked with rejuvenating the Kenyan national football team.

This is particularly with the 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in mind, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.

McCarthy has already overseen two fixtures for the Harambee Stars during the March international break in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

His debut against Gambia ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, before his second outing saw the Harambee Stars fall 2-1 to Gabon.

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