Former Manchester United first-team coach Benedict Saul McCarthy, commonly known as Benni McCarthy, has officially been appointed as the head coach of the Harambee Stars on a two-year contract.
McCarthy replaces Engin Firat, who resigned in December due to the non-payment of his salary and has since threatened legal action against the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) over millions of unpaid dues.
Although McCarthy’s appointment was confirmed before Christmas in 2024, the official unveiling was delayed until today, Monday, March 3, 2025.
Joining McCarthy are Joseph Moeneeb as goalkeeping coach, Vasili Manousakis as assistant coach, and Maposa as a data analyst. This trio brings a wealth of experience and established chemistry, having worked closely together during McCarthy’s successful tenure at AmaZulu.
McCarthy’s first task will be to oversee the Harambee Stars’ 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Gambia and Gabon next month.
“I will be in the country for as long as possible to watch local matches in the domestic league, as well as visit and watch players playing abroad.I believe in watching the players live,not stats ,not highlights. “Harambee Stars Coach Benni McCarthy
He will be the first South African to lead the country’s men’s national football team and the 36th person to take on this role since 1961.
