Benni McCarthy’s leadership of the Harambee Stars has earned strong backing from South African football administrator Senzo Mbatha, who has worked closely with the coach in the past. McCarthy, who took charge of the Kenyan national football team in March 2025, has already made an impact, guiding Kenya to the quarter-finals of the 2024 African Nations Championships. Mbatha, who managed McCarthy during their time at South African club Orlando Pirates, spoke highly of his former player’s character, professionalism, and tactical knowledge.
Mbatha emphasized that McCarthy is a big figure in African football with a vast range of experience, having played for major clubs across Europe, including the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, and England. He pointed out that McCarthy’s experience in high-pressure environments, such as the English Premier League, will serve him well in Kenya. The South African administrator also highlighted McCarthy’s ability to handle media scrutiny, noting that the Kenyan media can be particularly challenging, but McCarthy’s thick skin, developed through his playing career, makes him well-suited to overcome these challenges.
According to Mbatha, McCarthy’s leadership qualities and commitment to discipline and hard work make him a valuable asset to Kenyan football. The coach demands high standards from his players, pushing them to reach their full potential. Mbatha believes that with continued support and patience, McCarthy will be able to instill his philosophy within the team, leading to greater success for the Harambee Stars.
McCarthy’s technical staff, including assistant coach Vasili Manousakis and goalkeeper coach Moeneeb Josephs, have also been praised by Mbatha for their expertise and positive influence on the team. He noted that having such experienced professionals on the technical bench adds immense value to the team, as they bring both technical know-how and a deep understanding of the game.
McCarthy’s tenure with Harambee Stars has seen positive results so far, with five wins, four draws, and two losses in 11 matches. As he prepares for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Ivory Coast and Burundi in October, McCarthy’s leadership will be key in taking Kenyan football to the next level.
