Former Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy is set to be appointed as the new head coach of Kenya’s national football team, the Harambee Stars.
Kenya’s senior team has been without a head coach since the departure of Engin Firat. In the meantime, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) named Francis Kimanzi as the interim coach while continuing their search for a permanent replacement.
According to Flashscore, McCarthy, a celebrated South African football icon, is now the front-runner for the role and is expected to be officially appointed on January 10.
The FKF has reached out to the former Bafana Bafana striker, who has agreed to take on the position.
McCarthy is expected to arrive with one assistant coach ahead of the 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
McCarthy, who made 79 appearances and scored 31 goals for South Africa’s national team, is regarded as the country’s all-time top scorer.
His career highlights include winning the UEFA Champions League with Porto in 2004, making him the only South African to achieve this feat.
Before taking on a coaching role at Manchester United, McCarthy managed South African Premier Division club AmaZulu.
His coaching experience also includes stints at Hibernian, Sint-Truiden, and Cape Town City.
McCarthy’s football journey began at a local club, Young Pirates, managed by his uncles.
He later joined the youth ranks of Crusaders, an amateur side, before making his professional debut at 17 with Seven Stars in the first division.
