Benni McCarthy Opens Up on Evolving Relationship with Jose Mourinho After Becoming Harambee Stars Coach

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has opened up about his mentor relationship with former Manchester United, Chelsea, and Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho and why the pair's relationship has changed since he became the Kenya national football team coach.

McCarthy and Mourinho have a shared history from their time at Porto, where the Portuguese tactician coached the South African football legend.

It is from this relationship that McCarthy got the inspiration to become a coach, with Mourinho checking in on him at every step of his coaching journey.

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"I think the person that really made me want to go into coaching was my time at Porto under Mourinho," said McCarthy in an interview with NTV.

"He was a young coach, I think 39, just under 40, so he was still a baby, and he worked with senior players. And I was like, if that is what a coach is meant to be, then I want to be like him because the love that he had from the players was incredible."

This inspiration saw McCarthy aspire to coaching, landing his first job at South African side AmaZulu.

During this period, the two maintained contact, with the Portuguese tactician keeping tabs on McCarthy.

"When I was at AmaZulu in South Africa, we always kept in touch. If I won Coach of the Month or the Year, he would always send me a message and tell me, ‘So proud of you, son,’" reflected McCarthy.

This mentorship even translated to McCarthy's job at Manchester United, where Mourinho was previously a manager. Mourinho shared his deep knowledge of the club to guide McCarthy.

However, since taking the Harambee Stars job, McCarthy admits their communication has reduced.

"Now that I'm national team coach in Kenya, I have not had that. He's got his own problems, so I don't think he is going to be giving me advice anytime soon," said McCarthy.

Their relationship, though still solid, has seen the pair's interaction minimized.

Mourinho, a three-time Premier League winner with Chelsea and Champions League winner with Porto and Inter Milan, continues to maintain a relationship with McCarthy.