Benni McCarthy takes Kenya helm, with full SA technical team in tow
Benni McCarthy has been officially appointed as the head coach of the Kenyan national team, bringing with him a complete South African technical staff as the new chapter begins for the Harambee Stars.
The Football Kenya Federation [FKF] held a formal media launch at the Serena Hotel in Nairobi on Monday, where they made the much-anticipated appointment of McCarthy.
McCarthy has penned a deal until 2027 with all his trusted lieutenants. His technical team include Moeneeb Josephs, who is a goalkeeper coach, assistant coach Vasili Manousakis and performance analyst Pilela Maposa.
Josephs joins McCarthy in Kenya after his departure from ABC Motsepe League side La Masia FC. Manousakis also resigned from Cape Town Spurs in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, and Pilela Maposa departed AmaZulu FC to complete McCarthy’s technical team.
The quartet previously worked together at AmaZulu FC, where the team achieved a club-record second-place finish in the league and qualified for the CAF Champions League for the first time. That season, McCarthy, who also won the MTN8 with Cape Town City FC, walked away with the PSL Coach of the Season award.
Meanwhile, McCarthy’s most recent post in the dugout was his tenure as striker coach under Erik ten Hag at Manchester United last season.
The Bafana Bafana legend replaces Engin Firat. The latter resigned as Kenya’s coach after the Harambee Stars failed to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
In addition, McCarthy was given the head coaching over candidates, such as former Chelsea and Real Madrid midfielder Claude Makelele.
KENYA FA UNVEILS BENNI MCCARTHY AS NEW HEAD COACH
In an official statement, Kenya FA stated that McCarthy brings extensive playing and coaching experience. He and his technical team are expected to revitalise the national team setup as Kenya prepares for upcoming fixtures.
Kenya FA president Hussein Mohammed expressed strong confidence in the new technical team.
“After a rigorous selection process, we are confident that Benni McCarthy is the right person to lead our national team forward,” he said.
“His experience, vision, and commitment to developing Kenyan football align perfectly with our ambitions. Alongside him, we welcome Vasili Manousakis as an assistant coach. Moeneeb Josephs as the goalkeeper’s coach, and Pilela Maposa as a performance analyst. This team brings a wealth of expertise. We believe they will instil tactical discipline, structure, and a winning mentality…”
RELATED STORY: Benni McCarthy beats ex-Real Madrid star for Harambee Stars job