Benni McCarthy reflects on coaching challenges with national teams

South African football legend Benni McCarthy has opened up about the frustrations of managing at the international level, revealing how limited contact with players can hinder a coach’s ability to make an impact.

“I want to give, and I feel that it is holding me back from doing that because you don’t have enough time with players, like I’ve not seen them in three months,” McCarthy said, speaking to Robert Marawa on 947’s MSW.

The 46-year-old, who now serves as the head coach of the Kenyan national team added that while he respects the national team environment, his heart lies in club football.

“I think when I get to Hugo Broos’ age, then I want to go back into the national team, but after this experience with Kenya, I’m really looking to get back into managing a club.”

His remarks shed light on the delicate balance coaches face between national pride and the desire for daily involvement with their players—a factor he says is crucial to truly shaping a team’s style and performance.

For McCarthy, the next chapter seems likely to be back in the club scene, where he can immerse himself fully and nurture talent over the long term.

At club level, he last managed AmaZulu FC between 2020 and 2022. After that, he went on to serve as a first-team coach at Manchester United under Erik Ten Hag prior to being appointed as manager of Kenya.