Kenya has appointed former South African international Benni McCarthy as the head coach of the national men’s football team, the Harambee Stars. The 47-year-old signed a contract extending through to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.

McCarthy’s immediate focus is on the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Kenya is set to face The Gambia away and Gabon at home later this month. Currently, Kenya trails Group F leaders Ivory Coast by five points but has six matches remaining. The group winners will qualify directly for the World Cup finals, while the top four runners-up will have another chance through a second round.

Expressing optimism, McCarthy stated, “It is possible to win the two games and collect six points and then we can see where that takes us.” He emphasized the need to change the players’ mentality and not give up hope, aiming for a successful campaign with the possibility of finishing in the top two of the group.

McCarthy brings a wealth of experience to the role. He previously served on the coaching staff at Manchester United under manager Erik ten Hag and managed South African clubs Cape Town City and AmaZulu. As a player, McCarthy earned 80 caps for South Africa, scored at the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, and played in the Premier League for Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United. He also lifted the Champions League trophy with Porto in 2004.

In his new role, McCarthy is joined by assistant coach Vasili Manousakis, goalkeepers coach Moeneeb Josephs, and performance analyst Pilela Maposa, all of whom have previously collaborated with him.

Kenya did not qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco but is set to co-host the 2027 finals. McCarthy’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to elevate Kenyan football on the international stage.