Former Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy has been appointed as the new head coach for Kenya national team, Harambee Stars, replacing Turkish Engin Firat.

McCarthy who won 80 caps with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana and played for FC Porto in Portugal and Blackburn Rovers has signed a two-year contract with the Federation of Kenyan Football (FKF) that will see him lead the team until the Afcon 2027.

Francis Kimanzi has been in charge of the team on interim since the resignation of Firat.

The 1998 Afcon top scorer will be assisted by Vasili Manousakis as his first assistant, Moeneeb Josephs as goalkeeper coach and Pilela Maposa as the Performance Analyst.

McCarthy said at his unveiling at Serena Hotel; “I am honored to take on this role and excited about the journey with the Kenyan national team.

I have studied the talent in this country and I believe there is immense to compete at the highest level.”

The first assignments for McCarthy who also coached at Manchester United under Dutch man Eric Tenhag will be in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gabon and Gambia.

FKF President Mohammed Hussein stated; “After a rigorous selection process, we are confident that Benni McCarthy is the right person to lead our national team forward. His football experience, vision, and commitment to developing Kenya football aligns perfectly with our ambitions.”  

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