Tags: Benni McCarthy, Harambee Stars, McDonald Mariga, Kenya football, CHAN 2024
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy continues to make headlines after guiding Kenya to an impressive run at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). Having joined the team in March 2025, McCarthy has managed to transform the squad into a more organized and competitive unit, earning admiration from both fans and football officials.
Among those who have been particularly impressed is Football Kenya Federation (FKF) vice president McDonald Mariga. The former international midfielder, who played a key role in the appointment of the South African tactician, believes McCarthy has injected the right mentality and tactical discipline into the national team.
Mariga acknowledged that McCarthy’s presence has lifted the professionalism of the squad and instilled confidence among the players. He expressed his hope that the coach would stay beyond his current contract, which runs until 2027, although he admitted that football remains unpredictable. “He is doing a good job and right now he is the right man for the country. With him, we can go far,” Mariga said, underlining the unity of purpose he shares with the coach.
McCarthy’s success, however, is set against the backdrop of his own public statements regarding his long-term future. The 47-year-old has been open about his desire to return to club management, revealing that the daily intensity of working with players at club level appeals to him more than the intermittent nature of international football. He made it clear that while he is committed to Harambee Stars for now, he does not see himself holding a national team role for an extended period.
Since taking charge, McCarthy has overseen nine matches, registering four wins, four draws, and a single defeat. Beyond the results, it is the fluid attacking style and solid defensive organization that have caught the eye, sparking optimism that Kenya can compete strongly in upcoming tournaments.
The coach’s current contract is tied to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Whether McCarthy remains until then, or seeks a club role earlier, remains to be seen. For now, FKF officials like Mariga and the Kenyan football community are rallying behind him, hopeful that his leadership will push the Harambee Stars closer to continental success.
