Nigeria legend John Obi Mikel has backed Benni McCarthy to succeed as the head coach of Kenya.
The Bafana Bafana legend was confirmed as the head coach of the Harambee Stars in March 2025 on a three-year deal.
The former FC Porto striker and Manchester United striker’s coach has been tasked to qualify the side for the 2026 World Cup, which is scheduled to be hosted in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
McCarthy began his journey with Kenya with a 3-3 tie against Gambia followed by a home 2-1 loss to Gabon in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers during the March international window.
Despite the dwindling start, Obi Mikel is confident that McCarthy can transform Kenya into one of the most daunting footballing nations.
“I think Benni has got a good job, I think after the skills that I have seen in Kenya, there is no question that the senior team is going to have a lot of talent, he is going to have a good team, he is going to inherit a good team and I wish him all the best,” Mikel said, per Citizen Digital.
“I also wish the Kenya national team all the best as they continue to grow, and continue to develop, for me it is always nice when Kenya is in a tournament; it is always a good tournament to watch, so for me, I hope the Kenya national team continues to grow.
“I know Benni, he is a good guy, he is a good coach, and I wish him all the best, I hope he develops the national team and also gets the opportunity to watch the academy kids, the kids are always the next big fame, hopefully the next Messi, the next John Obi Mikel, the next Cristiano Ronaldo, will come out of here one day.”
McCarthy will be looking to improve his side when Kenya face off against Gambia and Seychelles, with both games scheduled to take place in Nairobi in September.
