Harambee Stars: Ex-Qatar and Egypt Coach Sounds Alarm for McCarthy on Kenya’s Turbulent Front

• Benni McCarthy has been named the new head coach of Harambee Stars, succeeding Engin Firat who previously held the position.
• Lately, the South African international revealed his initial roster and conducted his first practice session with the squad.
• McCarthy’s initial task as the leader of the Harambee Stars will be coaching them in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon on March.

Following the resignation of Engin Firat due to a disagreement over payments with the Football Kenya Federation in 2024, Benni McCarthy assumed the role of head coach for Kenya.

The announcement of McCarthy's appointment has reignited enthusiasm among Kenyan supporters because of his stellar record as both an athlete and a mentor.

One significant hurdle for McCarthy in his new position will be addressing the insufficient training facilities.

Roger De Sa, who previously coached the Egyptian national team, has advised McCarthy to temper his expectations concerning the condition of the training facilities provided for the Harambee Stars.

Roger De Sa's caution to McCarthy

When voicing his backing of McCarthy’s new position, De Sa pointed out that the assignment in Kenya would entail difficulties like dealing with substandard playing surfaces.

De Sa highlighted that McCarthy shouldn’t anticipate receiving the same caliber of deliveries he was accustomed to at Manchester United, since the resources in Kenya might not meet those standards.

Gaining entry into the national setup represents a significant milestone for Benni since national squads hold a distinct importance," De Sa commented. "I am extremely pleased for Benni and delighted to witness another South African seizing this chance.

De Sa mentioned that Benni should not anticipate training facilities comparable to those of Manchester United or even Orlando Pirates," according to the iDiski Times. "Benni will undoubtedly encounter certain difficulties and must ready himself to handle these hurdles. It’s crucial for him to come up with strategies, adjust accordingly, and turn the circumstances into an advantage.

De Sa highlighted that an additional hurdle for McCarthy will be the distinction between managing a club and leading a national team.

He mentioned that the members of the national team are spread out in different regions globally, and it’s crucial to keep track of their development regularly.

The other significant hurdle Benni will encounter is that guiding a national team differs greatly from overseeing a club," De Sa stated. "Your players are spread across the globe, and you must monitor their development closely. It goes beyond merely assembling them for a training session and a game.

Available training resources for McCarthy

Currently, Kenya’s principal sports facilities encompass Kasarani Stadium and Nyayo Stadium.

The two practice fields are currently being renovated, which restricts the Harambee Stars' training sessions and match possibilities since they have heavily depended on these locations for a considerable time.

McCarthy's first assignment

The individual, who is 47 years old, will start his role as the head coach of the Stars team when they face Gambia in a 2026 World Cup qualifier match scheduled for March 20, 2025.

The following month, the South African national team player will lead Harambee Stars in their match against Gabon at Nyayo Stadium.

Mulama supports McCarthy to take over as Harambee Stars coach

Earlier, .co.ke emphasized Titus Mulama’s support for McCarthy, voicing optimism about his potential to excel as the leader of the Harambee Stars.

Mulama indicated that McCarthy’s selection was highly beneficial for the nation, emphasizing that athletes could connect with him because of his proven track record and achievements at the highest tiers of competition.