Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has expressed his determination to work closely with Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) coaches to unearth young talent that can be groomed for the national team. This plan brings new hope for up-and-coming players within the Kenyan football scene, as McCarthy aims to build a future-oriented national team with an emphasis on youth development.
The South African tactician, who brings with him a wealth of experience from playing in the UEFA Champions League under José Mourinho at FC Porto, has made it clear that age will not be a barrier when selecting players for the national team. McCarthy stated that he firmly believes in giving young players an opportunity if they show potential, regardless of their age. His focus will be on nurturing young talent, allowing them to prove themselves at the highest level by playing for Harambee Stars.
In his recent interview, McCarthy emphasized his commitment to creating a pathway for young players to succeed in the national team. “I am a very big fan of giving young players an opportunity. I don’t care what is your age, and I don’t see why we should shun young players. I give young players a chance always, and I will do so,” he stated confidently. This philosophy highlights McCarthy’s forward-thinking approach to coaching, where he seeks to build a team that is not only competitive but also sustainable in the long run.
For McCarthy’s vision to materialize, he recognizes that collaboration with local FKFPL coaches is essential. He believes that a strong relationship between the national team coaching staff and the coaches at the local level will be crucial in identifying the right talent. “I want to spend a lot of time getting to know the coaches of teams in the FKF Premier League so we can have an understanding of how best young players can thrive with the right opportunities,” McCarthy explained. By working together, McCarthy hopes to create an environment that allows young players to grow and eventually represent Harambee Stars with pride.
In addition to his plans for youth development, McCarthy’s technical team for Harambee Stars is also a part of his larger vision for the national team. Alongside McCarthy, the new technical bench includes Vasili Manousakis as Assistant Coach, Moeneeb Josephs as Goalkeeper Coach, and Pilela Maposa as Performance Analyst. The quartet has signed two-year contracts, and they are expected to bring a fresh approach to the team’s tactical setup as Kenya prepares for upcoming international fixtures.
The new coaching staff brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team, with McCarthy’s extensive coaching background at clubs such as AmaZulu FC, Cape Town City, and Sint-Truiden, among others. His experience as a player and coach positions him well to lead the national team forward, both in terms of player development and tactical discipline.
FKF President Hussein Mohammed expressed confidence in McCarthy’s leadership, stating that the new coaching staff’s vision and commitment to developing Kenyan football align perfectly with the Federation’s ambitions. “After a rigorous selection process, we are confident that Benni McCarthy is the right person to lead our national team forward. His experience, vision, and commitment to developing Kenyan football align perfectly with our ambitions. Alongside him, we welcome Vasili Manousakis as Assistant Coach, Moeneeb Josephs as Goalkeepers Coach, and Pilela Maposa as Performance Analyst. This team brings a wealth of expertise, and we believe they will instill tactical discipline, structure, and a winning mentality as we prepare for upcoming competitions,” Mohammed stated.
Through his emphasis on youth development and collaboration with local coaches, McCarthy’s approach signals a new era for Harambee Stars, one focused on long-term success and sustainable growth. By providing young players with the chance to prove themselves on the international stage, McCarthy hopes to build a new generation of Kenyan footballers capable of competing at the highest level.
