Since his historic appointment as Harambee Stars head coach, Benni McCarthy has made headlines not only for his football expertise but also for his commitment to building strong team bonds off the pitch. However, one curious detail has stood out during his short time in Kenya the South African tactician is yet to indulge in the country’s famed culinary delights.
McCarthy arrived in Kenya in February and has already made an impression on fans and players alike. He has been seen attending several local football matches, including a high-profile tie between Gor Mahia and Kariobangi Sharks in early March. These outings have allowed him to assess local talent and connect with the football culture in Kenya. Yet, despite his growing familiarity with the Kenyan football scene, he has steered clear of local cuisine — until now.
In a recent interview, McCarthy revealed the heartfelt, if humorous, reason behind this culinary abstention. During the holy month of Ramadan, his close ally and goalkeeper coach Moeneeb Josephs observed the fast in accordance with Islamic tradition. In a gesture of unity and respect, McCarthy chose to join him in fasting throughout the month.
“We have been disciplined because it has been Ramadan. My goalkeeper coach, he is Muslim, so he has been fasting,” McCarthy explained. While his intentions were rooted in solidarity and team bonding, the experience proved more challenging than he had initially anticipated.
Describing the decision as “the worst thing in my life,” McCarthy joked about the struggles of going without food for extended hours. “There is no ‘I’ in team,” he said with a chuckle, “so we were a team. I joined him in that month of fasting. I was like, why did I agree to that? But it was good because it was team bonding.”
Though it may have been a tough month physically, the act brought the technical team closer together. For McCarthy, fostering camaraderie within his squad and coaching staff is a priority. This act of solidarity served as a testament to his leadership style — one that values collective unity over individual comfort.
Now that Ramadan has concluded, McCarthy is ready to start exploring the flavors of his host country. He noted that he has already begun visiting a few local restaurants and is eager to try out traditional Kenyan dishes.
“So we did that together, so I was fasting and did not indulge in Kenyan food,” he said. “But now that it’s finished, slowly but surely we are starting to go to more restaurants.”
Kenyan fans will no doubt welcome McCarthy’s enthusiasm for immersing himself in the local culture, and his willingness to embrace even the less glamorous aspects of team life bodes well for his tenure.
Although he has yet to register his first win with the national team, his debut was marked by a dramatic 3-3 comeback against Gambia during the March international window in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. This was followed by a narrow 2-1 home defeat to Gabon, but optimism remains high.
With the Qualifiers continuing and the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) on the horizon, McCarthy is focused on building a cohesive, dynamic side — and perhaps sampling some nyama choma or ugali along the way.
