Former Kenyan international Elijah Onsika believes that the inclusion of a local coach in Benni McCarthy’s Harambee Stars setup would be beneficial for the national team. Onsika, who managed Kenya’s U19 national team in 2002 during the CECAFA youth tournament in Zanzibar, where they reached the quarter-finals, stresses that having a Kenyan coach on McCarthy’s bench will help the South African quickly understand the intricacies of the local game and culture.
Onsika pointed out that it does not make sense for a national team to rely solely on foreign coaches across all areas of the technical bench. “It is crucial for the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to revisit this matter and consider appointing a Kenyan coach to work alongside McCarthy,” he said. According to Onsika, this move would ensure that the Kenyan football ecosystem is properly represented and would allow McCarthy to gain deeper insights into the local game and players.
Having a local coach would bring numerous benefits to the team, Onsika argues. A Kenyan coach, he explains, would understand the local football environment, including the dynamics of the Kenyan Premier League, the playing style of Kenyan players, and the expectations from local fans. This local insight is invaluable in ensuring that the national team performs well and resonates with its supporters. Furthermore, a local coach can bridge the gap between McCarthy’s foreign perspective and the realities of Kenyan football, offering advice and strategies that align with the strengths of local players.
Onsika also highlighted that it is not too late for FKF to implement this change. With McCarthy’s appointment still fresh, he has not yet named his squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifier matches against The Gambia and Gabon. Therefore, it is possible for FKF to second a local coach to McCarthy’s bench before the team begins preparations for these crucial fixtures. The Kenyan football community, Onsika believes, would welcome the move as it would offer McCarthy the support needed to adapt to the local setup swiftly.
It’s important to note that McCarthy’s predecessor, Francis Kimanzi, worked with several local coaches in his time as the head coach of Harambee Stars, including William Muluya, Ken Odhiambo, and Jerim Onyango. These local assistants were vital in managing the team, offering their knowledge of local players and domestic football. The absence of local representation in McCarthy’s technical staff, according to Onsika, could hinder the team’s performance and integration, especially when dealing with players who are more familiar with the local football scene.
A Kenyan coach would not only help McCarthy understand the Kenyan football culture but would also assist in nurturing local talent, identifying emerging players, and developing long-term strategies to improve the national team. Local coaches possess the expertise in working with Kenyan players, understanding their strengths and weaknesses, and utilizing the available resources effectively. By adding a local coach to McCarthy’s team, FKF would be making an investment in the future of Kenyan football, ensuring that the national team is in a stronger position to succeed on the international stage.
The issue of foreign versus local coaching staff has been a subject of debate in many African countries, and Kenya is no exception. While foreign coaches bring experience and expertise, local coaches have the advantage of understanding the intricacies of the local environment, culture, and players. As Onsika pointed out, it is crucial for the FKF to strike a balance between foreign and local influences to ensure the success of the national team.
McCarthy, who was unveiled as Harambee Stars’ head coach after the dismissal of Engin Firat, now faces the task of building a competitive team for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The inclusion of a local coach could provide him with the necessary support to achieve this goal. With the right mix of foreign expertise and local knowledge, Harambee Stars can improve its chances of qualifying for international tournaments and bringing pride to the nation.
