5 Big Lessons Benni McCarthy Has Taught the Harambee Stars Since Taking Over

Benni McCarthy is making a clear impact on the Harambee Stars as he begins to reshape the team's identity and ambitions.

Benni McCarthy has so far made a series of changes in Harambee Stars since taking the helm of the Kenyan National football team in March 2025.

The South African legend embarked on a mission to transform Kenyan football right away, with his appointment being embraced with significant optimism.

Benni McCarthy’s appointment marked a new chapter for Harambee Stars, a national team often plagued by inconsistency and managerial instability.

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As Kenya prepares to co-host the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, Benni McCarthy’s influence is becoming increasingly evident.

In this article, Pulse Sports Kenya outlines five big lessons Benni McCarthy has taught the Harambee Stars since taking over.

Benni McCarthy: A Strong Mindset and Professional Attitude Matter for Harambee Stars

One of the most immediate and impactful lessons Benni McCarthy has instilled is the paramount importance of a winning mentality.

Drawing from his illustrious playing career that saw him win the UEFA Champions League with FC Porto and his coaching stint at Manchester United, Benni McCarthy understands what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

He has openly declared his intention to build a team that is ‘fearful of no one’ and is ‘here for business, not for fun.’

Benni McCarthy does not just speak, he acts too. He has even introduced a ‘no-nonsense policy’ during training sessions, where losing teams face immediate consequences.

Benni McCarthy wants to ensure that every player gives their all, even in practice, and Boniface Muchiri has echoed this sentiment.

Beyond the mental aspect, Benni McCarthy has also emphasised the importance of professionalism. His decision to withdraw the Harambee Stars from the CECAFA Four-Nations Tournament in Tanzania due to substandard training pitch conditions highlights his commitment to protecting his players and ensuring optimal preparation.

He publicly stated that continuing to play on such pitches would ‘set us back majorly in terms of injuries to certain players’ and negatively impact their CHAN performance.

This firm stance demonstrates a level of professionalism and care for player welfare that sets a new standard for the Harambee Stars.

Benni McCarthy: The Importance of Tactical Flexibility and Demands of the Modern Game

Benni McCarthy's tactical blueprint for the Harambee Stars signifies a clear departure from previous approaches. He is implementing a modern, possession-based style that emphasises dynamic shape-shifting and intelligent off-ball movements.

The team primarily operates in a 4-2-3-1 formation but is designed to be highly flexible, often transforming into a 4-2-4 in possession to facilitate fluid attacking rotations and overload central areas.

A defining principle of Benni McCarthy's tactics is progressive build-up play from the defensive line through midfield.

This involves using vertical and horizontal passing combinations and rotational movements in tight spaces to advance the ball. Wingers are encouraged to drop deep to create numerical superiority in the build-up, while midfielders are tasked with orchestrating the tempo and dictating play.

In attack, the focus is on exploiting half-spaces and diagonal runs, with strikers often dropping deep to link play before bursting forward. Out of possession, the team adopts a compact 4-4-2 defensive shape, pressing selectively to control central zones.

While still a work in progress, particularly in defensive transitions, there is a clear tactical evolution under Benni McCarthy.

Benni McCarthy: A Renewed Focus on Youth

One of Benni McCarthy's immediate actions has been to reshape the squad, showing a distinct preference for youthful, dynamic profiles that fit into his blueprint.

Benni McCarthy has not shied away from making bold decisions, with some established names potentially losing their spots to fresh, energetic talents.

This youth-centric approach is geared towards building a team that can dominate for years to come, particularly with the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to be hosted on home soil.

The inclusion of promising young talents like 18-year-old Austin Odongo and 19-year-old Manzur Suleiman in the CHAN 2024 squad underscores this philosophy.

Benni McCarthy believes in the potential of these younger players to adapt to his demanding system and contribute significantly.

Benni McCarthy: Eradicating Fear in Harambee Stars Players

A recurring theme in Benni McCarthy's public statements is his desire to eliminate fear from the Harambee Stars' mindset.

Facing a ‘group of death’ in CHAN 2024 with formidable opponents like DR Congo, Morocco, Angola, and Zambia, Benni McCarthy has reiterated that his team will not fear anyone.

McCarthy’s unwavering self-belief is crucial for a team that has historically struggled with consistency and often appeared daunted by stronger opposition.

Benni McCarthy is constantly reinforcing the idea that the Harambee Stars have the talent and work ethic to compete at the highest level.

Benni McCarthy: Prioritising Team Cohesion and Unity

Despite early disruptions, including the withdrawal from a warm-up tournament and the loss of key players to transfers, Benni McCarthy has consistently emphasised the importance of team unity and togetherness.

Benni McCarthy's direct involvement in squad selection, as he vehemently denied claims of ‘external interference,’ further solidifies his control and commitment to building a harmonious group.

He has created an environment where players understand that success stems from a collective effort, not just individual brilliance.

This focus on building a strong, unified team is a fundamental lesson from Benni McCarthy, recognising that a cohesive unit is often greater than the sum of its individual parts, especially in the demanding world of international football.

Benni McCarthy's tenure as Harambee Stars coach, though relatively short, has already brought about significant shifts in the team's approach and aspirations.

His impact extends beyond the technical aspects of the game, touching upon the very culture and mindset of Kenyan football, with the ultimate goal of transforming the Harambee Stars into a formidable force on the African continent.