South African football legend Benni McCarthy remains the leading candidate to take over as the head coach of the Kenya national football team, Harambee Stars. Initial contact was made in December, and expectations were high that his appointment would be finalized by January. However, the official confirmation is yet to be made, with several factors contributing to the delay.
Financial Uncertainty at FKF
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has been facing significant financial difficulties, which have played a major role in delaying McCarthy’s appointment. Before bringing in a high-profile coach, FKF has been working to address its internal financial issues, which include debts totaling over Ksh380 million and 21 unresolved legal disputes. The federation is keen to create a stable working environment for the incoming coach by securing financial assurances before making the final decision.
Given McCarthy’s experience at top levels, including his recent stint at Manchester United, FKF understands that securing the right financial support is crucial for a successful tenure. The federation is in discussions to find ways of clearing its debts and ensuring that McCarthy’s salary and other operational costs can be sustained throughout his tenure.
Race Against Time for World Cup Qualifiers
With crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers approaching in March, FKF is under pressure to finalize the appointment as soon as possible. Harambee Stars are set to face The Gambia away and Gabon at home in key matches that could define their qualification campaign. The delay in appointing McCarthy means that preparations for these matches have been affected, and Kenya risks heading into the fixtures without proper tactical guidance.
Additionally, McCarthy would also be responsible for leading Kenya in the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN), which was initially set for February but has been postponed to August. The federation is aware that further delays could impact the team’s performance in both tournaments.
Expected Coaching Setup
Despite the challenges, FKF remains committed to securing McCarthy’s services. Reports indicate that he will sign a two-year contract and will bring in one assistant coach, while another assistant will be Kenyan. This arrangement aims to blend international expertise with local football knowledge, which could be beneficial for the team’s long-term development.
McCarthy’s experience as a player and coach makes him a strong candidate for the job. The former striker played for top European clubs such as FC Porto, where he won the UEFA Champions League, and also had a successful international career with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana. As a coach, he has managed Cape Town City and AmaZulu in South Africa, before taking up a role as an attacking coach at Manchester United under Erik ten Hag.
Massive Pay Cut for McCarthy
One of the key considerations in McCarthy’s decision to take up the job is the significant pay cut he will have to accept. His role at Manchester United was lucrative, given the financial strength of the English Premier League club. However, coaching a national team in Africa comes with different financial realities, and it remains to be seen if FKF can offer a package that satisfies both parties.
Final Steps Before Appointment
While FKF is determined to appoint McCarthy, the process has been slowed down by the need to resolve internal issues first. The federation is working to secure funding to support the new coaching setup and ensure that the environment is stable for McCarthy to succeed.
With time running out before the World Cup qualifiers, FKF must act quickly to finalize the appointment and allow McCarthy to start preparations. If all financial and legal hurdles are cleared soon, the South African legend is expected to take charge and lead Kenya in its upcoming international fixtures.
