Benni McCarthy’s appointment as Harambee Stars coach has sparked debate among football fans, with opinions divided on his potential impact, team selection, and the challenges facing Kenyan football.
Just two days after his official unveiling at Nairobi’s KICC, discussions have intensified regarding McCarthy’s role and the expectations placed upon him. Some fans have been vocal about the type of players they believe should be prioritized in the national team. One strong opinion called for the removal of players eager to move to Europe, arguing that such players, often ending up in lower-tier European leagues, contribute to Kenya’s struggles in international football.
Others have pointed out that Kenya’s main issue is not coaching but the lack of proper structures to build a competitive team. The argument suggests that without an efficient system in place for scouting and developing talent, even the most qualified coach would struggle to bring consistent success to the national team.
McCarthy, in his acceptance speech, emphasized his commitment to working with local coaches to identify and nurture young talent. He has promised to closely follow the FKF Premier League, signaling a focus on homegrown players. This has generated positive reactions, with some fans urging patience and support for McCarthy, emphasizing that he should be given the necessary resources to make a difference.
There has been a history of criticism regarding Kenya’s choice of national team coaches, with past appointments deemed unqualified or lacking the necessary experience. However, McCarthy’s credentials as both a former player and a coach give hope that he can bring a fresh approach to the team. Many believe that if he is given full backing, he has the potential to elevate Harambee Stars to new heights.
His first major test will be the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, set to begin later this month. Kenya will play The Gambia away on March 17 before hosting Gabon a week later at Nyayo Stadium. These matches will provide McCarthy with an opportunity to establish his philosophy and make crucial decisions about team selection.
Kenya’s qualification campaign so far has been mixed. The team started with a 2-1 defeat against Gabon but bounced back with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Seychelles. This was followed by a 1-1 draw against Burundi and an impressive 0-0 result against reigning African champions Ivory Coast.
Currently, Kenya sits fourth in Group F with five points, trailing leaders Ivory Coast by five points. Gabon holds second place with nine points, while Burundi is third with seven points.
McCarthy’s challenge will be to close the gap between Kenya and the top teams in the group, ensuring that the team remains competitive in the qualification race. All eyes will be on his first squad selection as he looks to implement his strategy and shape the future of Harambee Stars.
