Benni McCarthy Receives Massive Backing as Harambee Stars Transformation Sparks AFCON 2027 Belief

Victor Wanyama has praised Benni McCarthy as a great coach, highlighting the positive changes witnessed within Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars.

The South African football legend officially took charge of Harambee Stars in March 2025, signing a contract to lead Kenya through the Africa Cup of Nations.

The former Manchester United coach was appointed by the Football Kenya Federation to replace Engin Fırat, with a clear mandate to raise the team’s technical standards and expand its scouting network.

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So far, Victor Wanyama believes Benni McCarthy has made a strong impact, explaining why he sees him as the right man to lead Harambee Stars to success at the 2027 AFCON.

In an interview on Pitchside With Tabu Peter, Victor Wanyama said that Benni McCarthy had made a strong impression during his time in charge of Harambee Stars, noting that the team has begun showing a clear and cohesive identity on the pitch.

The Harambee Stars legend explained that the players are increasingly adapting to Benni McCarthy’s tactical approach, with improved organisation, structure, and understanding of their roles during matches.

He added that there is evident progress in the way the team approached games, pointing out their improved intensity, coordinated pressing, and willingness to maintain possession while transitioning forward with purpose.

According to him, the squad now appears more united and disciplined, with visible signs that Benni McCarthy’s ideas are taking shape and positively influencing overall performance.

“No, he has done well. You can see the playing style is coming together now. How he wants to play, how he wants to uh build up and how he wants his team to be together. You can see it now when on the pitch,” Victor Wanyama said.

“Playing a high line, pressing counter press, keeping the ball, playing forward, all those things. Now they're coming together, and you can see what he has done to the team.”

Victor Wanyama noted that the Harambee Stars squad now features a strong core of emerging talent eager to prove themselves on the international stage, adding that their performances so far have been encouraging.

He emphasised that having Benni McCarthy in charge had provided the team with the right guidance and leadership to nurture that potential.

The former Spurs cult hero further pointed out that the team’s upward trajectory was already visible, expressing optimism that continued progress would help build a cohesive and experienced unit over time.

According to him, if the current momentum is maintained, the squad has the potential to grow into a formidable side capable of achieving success and making the nation proud.

“You know, they have a great manager in Benni McCarthy. So, we have seen the improvement, and hopefully they'll continue like that, and we'll see a really good team that has been together for a long time, and they're ready to make the country proud,” he added.

“I think it's a good thing they're doing to try to bring back the players who were overlooked. So, when you have a lot of players that you can choose from, then it's easier for a coach, and also it gives other players the morale to work hard.”

With backing from a legend, Benni McCarthy will have to give his all to ensure Harambee Stars make a mark in the 2027 continental showpiece scheduled for June 19 to July 18, 2027.