South African football legend Benni McCarthy has reportedly chosen his trusted backroom staff as he prepares to take over the Kenya national team, Harambee Stars. McCarthy, who is set to arrive in Nairobi on Wednesday ahead of his official unveiling on Friday, will bring along two key figures with whom he has worked closely during his previous managerial stints.
According to sources, McCarthy has decided to appoint experienced South African coach Vasili Manousakis as his assistant coach. Manousakis, who has vast experience in South African football, is a crucial figure in McCarthy’s plans as he works to strengthen Harambee Stars. Additionally, Moeneeb Josephs, McCarthy’s former teammate at Orlando Pirates, will take on the role of goalkeeper coach. The appointment of Josephs was made public earlier, and he is expected to join McCarthy in Nairobi for the unveiling event.
Manousakis, however, will not be accompanying McCarthy to Kenya this week. He remains under contract with Cape Town Spurs, where he serves as the assistant coach. Cape Town Spurs is currently battling relegation in South Africa’s second division, and Manousakis is considered an integral part of the team’s efforts to stay up. As a result, Manousakis will join McCarthy’s technical bench at a later date, once his commitments with Cape Town Spurs are concluded.
McCarthy’s arrival in Nairobi will mark the beginning of his tenure as the new Harambee Stars coach, a role he is expected to take on with great ambition. The 45-year-old, who enjoyed a stellar playing career both in South Africa and internationally, is well known for his sharp footballing mind. He comes into the national team coaching job after stints at the club level, most notably leading AmaZulu FC to a historic second-place finish in the South African Premier Division. This achievement marked the club’s best-ever performance in the league. McCarthy also guided AmaZulu to the CAF Champions League group stages, further solidifying his reputation as one of South Africa’s top coaching talents.
McCarthy’s coaching credentials include a significant period at Cape Town City, where he helped the club make great strides. His most recent managerial role was at Manchester United, where he served as the club’s first-team attacking coach from July 2022 to June 2024. In this capacity, McCarthy worked closely with some of the world’s best attackers, further honing his tactical acumen.
While McCarthy’s coaching career has largely been at the club level, his appointment as Harambee Stars coach will be his first national team assignment. The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has high hopes for McCarthy, hoping that his experience and leadership will be the catalyst for revitalizing the national team, which has faced challenges in recent years. The Federation is reportedly offering him a two-year contract, signaling their commitment to long-term progress under his guidance.
Alongside his international experience and understanding of top-tier football, McCarthy will also integrate local Kenyan coaches into his backroom staff, further ensuring that the team is well-equipped to meet the unique challenges it faces. The combination of McCarthy’s tactical nous and the addition of his trusted lieutenants from his past coaching roles is expected to provide the structure and stability Harambee Stars need to start competing at a higher level.
McCarthy’s focus will likely be on bringing the best out of the talent available to him in Kenya, drawing on his vast experience to improve the team’s performances. There is a strong belief that his arrival could mark a turning point for Harambee Stars as they aim to qualify for major tournaments and re-establish themselves as a force in African football.
As McCarthy sets to work with his new technical bench, the anticipation is growing in Kenya, with many hoping that the team’s fortunes will finally take a positive turn under his stewardship.
