Benni McCarthy is set to take over as the new head coach of the Harambee Stars, marking a new chapter for Kenya’s senior men’s national football team. Alongside him, he brings a trusted and experienced backroom staff that has played a significant role in his previous coaching successes. These key figures are expected to help transform Harambee Stars into a competitive force on the continental stage.
Among those joining McCarthy are Pilela Maposa, a highly-rated performance analyst, Moeneeb Josephs, a seasoned goalkeeper coach, and Vasili Manousakis, a tactically astute assistant coach. Their arrival signals a major boost for the team as they look to rebuild and establish themselves in African football.
Each of these individuals has worked closely with McCarthy during his tenure at AmaZulu FC, where they helped the club achieve unprecedented success, including a historic qualification for the CAF Champions League. Their expertise will be instrumental in shaping Harambee Stars into a well-structured and competitive team.
Pilela Maposa – The Performance Analyst
As McCarthy takes charge, one of the most crucial yet less visible figures in the new setup will be Pilela Maposa. A specialist in performance analysis, Maposa has earned a reputation for providing detailed data-driven insights that enhance tactical efficiency.
His expertise in opposition analysis and player performance breakdowns played a significant role in AmaZulu FC’s rise. Before his tenure at AmaZulu, Maposa was part of the Free State Stars technical team that stunned South African football by winning the 2018 Nedbank Cup.
Despite attracting interest from top clubs, including Mamelodi Sundowns, Maposa remained loyal to McCarthy, believing in the long-term project they were building. Now, he brings his analytical skills to Harambee Stars, aiming to bridge the tactical gap between Kenya and Africa’s top footballing nations.
Moeneeb Josephs – The Goalkeeper Coach
A familiar face alongside McCarthy will be Moeneeb Josephs, his long-time confidant and goalkeeper coach. A former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper, Josephs has been part of McCarthy’s coaching journey from the beginning, offering specialized training to goalkeepers.
At AmaZulu, Josephs played a vital role in refining the skills of several goalkeepers, transforming them into reliable shot-stoppers. His ability to nurture talent and instill confidence in young keepers will be crucial for Kenya, potentially leading to the emergence of a new generation of top-class goalkeepers.
Kenyan goalkeepers will benefit greatly from his mentorship, as he focuses on improving their positioning, reflexes, and overall game awareness.
Vasili Manousakis – The Assistant Coach
As McCarthy outlines his vision for Harambee Stars, Vasili Manousakis is expected to play a key role in implementing tactical strategies. Currently the assistant coach at Cape Town Spurs, he is set to reunite with McCarthy once his contractual obligations are finalized.
Manousakis was a vital figure in AmaZulu’s transformation, helping implement tactical plans that made the team one of the most difficult to beat in the South African Premier Soccer League. His ability to analyze opponents, fine-tune formations, and make in-game adjustments contributed significantly to the club’s second-place finish and CAF Champions League qualification.
One of the common criticisms of Kenyan football has been a lack of tactical discipline. Manousakis aims to address this by focusing on structured team play, positional awareness, and high-intensity football. His goal is to bring a new level of organization to the national team, ensuring that they can compete effectively against Africa’s elite sides.
A Promising Future for Harambee Stars
With McCarthy at the helm and his trusted backroom staff in place, Harambee Stars are poised for a fresh start. The combination of performance analysis, specialized training, and tactical discipline will help elevate the team’s standards. If their previous successes are anything to go by, Kenyan football could be on the verge of an exciting transformation.
