The possibility of South African football legend Benni McCarthy taking over as the head coach of the Harambee Stars has sparked mixed reactions. While some see him as a great candidate to lead the Kenyan national team, others believe a local coach would be better suited for the role.
McCarthy, who previously served as a first-team coach at Manchester United, has reportedly emerged as the Football Kenya Federation’s (FKF) preferred choice for the Harambee Stars job. However, his appointment has faced delays due to internal issues within FKF, with the federation seemingly working to resolve matters before making an official announcement.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding McCarthy’s potential arrival, there is opposition from some quarters. A section of coaches and football stakeholders argue that a local tactician should be entrusted with the national team, as they have a better understanding of Kenyan football and its players.
Among those advocating for a local coach is veteran school football coach Peter Mayoyo, who has expressed concern over the prolonged delay in appointing a head coach. He warns that the uncertainty could negatively impact the team’s preparations, particularly with important fixtures on the horizon.
“It is very important to have a coach in place because we need proper preparations for the World Cup qualifiers and CHAN,” Mayoyo stated. “This country has coaches who can handle the national team instead of going for a foreign coach who will need time to understand the players. I recommend that FKF should just hire a coach who understands the local league with CHAN in mind.”
The Harambee Stars have crucial matches coming up, including two 2026 World Cup qualifiers in March—an away game against The Gambia and a home fixture against Gabon. The team is also preparing for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania in August.
Given the tough opposition in Kenya’s World Cup qualifying group, which includes Morocco, Zambia, DR Congo, and Angola, proper preparations are essential. The Harambee Stars will need a well-structured approach to stand a chance of progressing to the knockout stage.
Currently, Francis Kimanzi is serving as the interim head coach of the team, but it remains unclear whether he will continue in the role until the World Cup qualifiers. With just a month remaining before these crucial fixtures, many are eager to see if FKF will finalize the appointment soon.
While McCarthy’s credentials are impressive, those advocating for a local coach argue that hiring someone familiar with the Kenyan football landscape would allow for a smoother transition and quicker impact. However, supporters of McCarthy’s potential appointment believe his international experience and tactical expertise could significantly improve the team’s performance.
The debate over whether to appoint a foreign coach or a local tactician is not new in Kenyan football. It has often surfaced whenever the national team seeks a new leader. While foreign coaches bring fresh ideas and different perspectives, adapting to the local football environment can take time. On the other hand, local coaches understand the strengths and weaknesses of Kenyan players but may lack the exposure and experience that an international coach like McCarthy possesses.
With the clock ticking towards the World Cup qualifiers, the decision on Harambee Stars’ next coach remains a pressing issue. The FKF will have to weigh its options carefully, ensuring that whoever takes over is capable of steering the team toward success in both the short and long term.
