Ex-Harambee Stars Coach 'Ghost' Mulee on How Benni McCarthy is Transforming Kenyan Football Following CHAN 2024 Success

Former Harambee Stars coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee has explained how Benni McCarthy’s appointment is already transforming Kenyan football for the better following their recent quarter final appearance at the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN).

McCarthy was unveiled as head coach in March 2025, and has already managed to achieve alot during that time, including making Kenya make it out of the group stages of a continental competition for the first time in their history.

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

Speaking to Citizen TV on Saturday night, Mulee, who guided Kenya to the 2002 CECAFA Cup title, explained how McCarthy’s tactical prowess was able to guide Stars to finish top of a very tough group A that comprised DR Congo, Zambia, Angola and eventual champions Morocco.

“I think bringing in Benny McCarthy was a very good choice. Looking at Kenya’s ‘group of death,’ nobody ever imagined we could beat Morocco, the eventual winners—let alone top that group,” Mulee said.

“We had DRC, who have won it twice, and Morocco, who now made history by winning it three times.”

Mulee praised McCarthy’s tactical bravery and ability to restore belief in the squad.

“I believe Benny has brought a lot of smiles to Kenyans. He made us believe that we still have talent in this country with the way he organized the team.”

Mulee believes McCarthy’s tactical masterclass especially during the group phase needs to be studied, considering he got his side to survive two games with ten men, and constantly rotated the side without it affecting the on-pitch cohesion.

“ There are many things we, as coaches, could study from him. For example, changing seven players in one game and still winning—that took a lot of confidence. He also introduced players who had never played at the international stage, and they performed.”

According to Mulee, McCarthy’s short preparation window makes Kenya’s achievement even more impressive.

“I’ve said before that the stars have aligned for Kenyan football. Benny was the right coach at the right time. We didn’t make it to the finals, but it was exciting to lead the group that produced the eventual winners.

“I also sympathized with him because he only had five weeks to prepare the team. He went to Tanzania, came back, and decided not to waste time with the CECAFA tournament. Instead, he focused on organizing the team in a very short period.

“He even lost some key players—like Osoro (Emmanuel) , who went to Zambia, and Bajabar, who went to Tanzania—so people thought we wouldn’t have a strong squad. Yet, under pressure, he managed to assemble a team that brought us joy and gave us hope for the future.”

Mulee’s remarks reflect the optimism sweeping through Kenyan football as McCarthy’s tenure begins, with many fans and analysts hopeful that CHAN 2024 is just the start of a brighter era for the Harambee Stars.

Harambee Stars will soon be in action after their exertions at the CHAN 2024 tournament, where they reached the quarter-final, and enjoyed a huge support from supporters.

Benni McCarthy’s men will hope to continue benefiting from the large following in their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against The Gambia and Seychelles at Kasarani Stadium on September 5th and 9th respectively.