Benni McCarthy was officially unveiled as the new head coach of the Kenyan men’s national team on Monday at a glitzy unveiling event in Nairobi, discussing some high targets for the Harambe Stars.
McCarthy and goalkeeper coach Moeneeb Josephs were at the unveiling, with assistant Vasili Manousakis and analyst Pilela Maposa set to join at a later date after all four agreed to a two-year deal.
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The Bafana Bafana legend, who previously coached Cape Town City and AmaZulu, was thrilled to take on his first national team position, and said he was ready to help the country becoming a powerhouse in African football.
“I would just like to say that it’s been an absolute privilege and a pleasure for me to be here in Kenya and to be surrounded with all great people in here,” McCarthy said at the event.
“I’m delighted, and I really can’t wait to start our new journey, making Kenya again one of the powerhouses in African football.
“The undiscovered talent that they are, the names that you see, and just the potential that this Kenyan national team has, if you look at other national teams how well they are doing with half the talent that is here in Kenya.
“With the right leaders in charge, with the right coaches, with the right mentality and the right mindset and the right right work ethic, we can get this team to greater heights.
“And I heard a question earlier about the women’s team might be the first Kenyan team tom represent the country in the World Cup – I think it will be both teams, the women and the men’s teams.”
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McCarthy also said that he hopes to forge good relationships with club coaches in the country, as it was key that everyone works together for the good of the national team.
“I want to spend a lot of time getting to know the coaches from the National League, that you have a sort of relationship with coaches and understanding that they work with the national team coaches, with the Kenyan Federation, about the upcoming, young players, good players that they have,” McCarthy said.
“So that we as the national team can look at these players and have small little camps in between, but with their cooperation, working together.
“So I think, ja, there has to be a very good relationship with the national team coaches and the local coaches in the league for this country to prosper, and for the young players, to get the grass roots players to get the opportunity that they need to also grow and one day represent Harambee Stars at all national levels. So that is how I want to do things and work with the coaches there.”
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In the official statement, McCarthy reiterated his ambitions.
“I am honoured to take on this role and excited about the journey ahead with the Kenyan national team,” he was quoted as saying.
“I have studied the talent in this country, and I believe there is immense potential to compete at the highest level.
“Together with my coaching team, including Vasili Manousakis, Moeneeb Josephs, and Pilela Maposa, we are committed to building a structured, disciplined, and competitive squad.
“Our goal is to develop a strong team identity, play exciting football, and make the nation proud. I look forward to working with the players, the federation, and the passionate Kenyan fans to achieve success.”
