Benni McCarthy, the former Manchester United first-team coach, is rumored to be a top candidate for the Harambee Stars coaching position. If he takes on this role, it will come with a significant reduction in earnings compared to his previous job.
McCarthy, a South African football legend, is being considered as a replacement for Engin Firat as the head coach of the Kenya national football team. Reports suggest that McCarthy agreed to take over the position in late December, although the official announcement has yet to be made. Despite the prestige of leading a national team, the financial terms of the role are notably less lucrative than what he earned during his time at Manchester United.
During his tenure at Manchester United, McCarthy served as a first-team coach, primarily focusing on developing the club’s forwards. His two-year stint at the Premier League club, from July 2022 to June 2024, reportedly earned him a salary of £40,000 (approximately Ksh6.4 million) per week. This translates to a monthly income of £160,000 (Ksh26 million) and an annual salary of £1.9 million (Ksh305 million). Over the course of his contract, McCarthy earned an estimated £3.8 million (Ksh610 million).
In contrast, the Harambee Stars role is said to offer a monthly salary of Ksh2.2 million, amounting to Ksh26.4 million annually. This means McCarthy would earn in a year what he previously made in a single month at Manchester United. The stark difference in earnings highlights that McCarthy’s decision to take on the Kenyan national team job is likely motivated by the challenge and opportunity it presents rather than financial incentives.
This will not be the first time McCarthy has worked for a salary in this range. Before his stint at Manchester United, he held managerial roles at Cape Town City and AmaZulu in South Africa, where his earnings were comparable or lower than the reported figures for the Harambee Stars job. His move to Manchester United represented a significant step up in both his career and financial earnings, given the club’s reputation for offering substantial wages to its players and coaching staff.
McCarthy’s potential appointment as the Harambee Stars coach could be seen as a testament to his commitment to advancing his managerial career and making a meaningful impact in African football. Leading a national team comes with unique challenges and responsibilities, offering McCarthy the chance to showcase his skills on a different platform.
While financial considerations are often a significant factor in career decisions, McCarthy’s willingness to take on a role with a much lower salary underscores his passion for the sport and his desire to embrace new challenges. If he officially takes the position, McCarthy will aim to bring his wealth of experience as a player and coach to elevate the Harambee Stars and inspire Kenyan football to new heights.
