The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has announced that the search for a new Harambee Stars coach is nearing its conclusion, with an appointment expected within a week. This development follows the resignation of Engin Firat in December 2024, leaving the national team without a permanent head coach.
The FKF president confirmed that efforts are focused on selecting a qualified coach and assembling a competent technical bench to steer the team towards its objectives. The process has involved a thorough evaluation of over 20 applicants, with the federation aiming to avoid past pitfalls regarding contractual disputes and financial challenges with previous coaches. A technical committee, led by the FKF vice president, has been overseeing the recruitment process to ensure the best candidate is chosen.
Speculation has been rife that South African football legend Benni McCarthy is a frontrunner for the position. McCarthy, who has enjoyed a distinguished coaching career, including a stint with Manchester United, is seen as a strong candidate capable of revitalizing the Harambee Stars. However, FKF officials have refrained from confirming his involvement, maintaining that discussions are ongoing and final decisions are yet to be made.
In the interim, the team continues to be led by Francis Kimanzi and his technical staff, who were appointed on a temporary basis following Firat’s departure. Kimanzi has been tasked with preparing the squad for upcoming competitions, including the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN), which will take place in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania starting February 1. It remains uncertain whether the new coach will take charge in time for this tournament or if Kimanzi will continue to lead the team.
The federation emphasized the importance of establishing clear objectives and contractual terms with the incoming coach to ensure stability and progress. This approach reflects lessons learned from past experiences, where issues with unpaid dues and contract disputes created significant challenges for the national team. FKF aims to avoid repeating these mistakes by implementing a more structured and transparent process.
The decision to appoint a non-Kenyan coach has been hinted at, with FKF reiterating its commitment to finding the most suitable candidate regardless of nationality. This move is seen as a strategic effort to bring in fresh perspectives and elevate the team’s performance on the international stage.
The upcoming announcement has generated significant interest among football fans and stakeholders, who are eager to see the Harambee Stars embark on a new chapter under the guidance of a highly capable coach. With the CHAN tournament fast approaching, the timing of the appointment will be crucial in determining the team’s readiness and overall performance.
As the FKF finalizes the recruitment process, there is hope that the new coach will bring a renewed sense of purpose and direction to the national team, helping to realize its potential and achieve success in future competitions.
