Kenya has appointed Benni McCarthy, a former South African striker, as their new coach ahead of the World Cup qualification campaign. He will make his debut against Gambia in March. Kenya currently trails Côte d’Ivoire in Group F, with aspirations to progress in the World Cup and co-host the 2027 AFCON finals.
Kenya has appointed former South African international Benni McCarthy as their new coach, just three weeks prior to resuming their World Cup qualification campaign. McCarthy’s debut match will take place this March against The Gambia, followed by a home encounter with Gabon. Currently, Kenya trails Côte d’Ivoire by five points in Group F, but has six matches remaining to attempt to qualify for the finals.
The winners of the group will secure a place in the World Cup finals, while the four best runners-up will also have a chance to advance further. Kenya is set to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations finals alongside Tanzania and Uganda, although they have already qualified for the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco.
At a press conference held in Nairobi, Mr. McCarthy, previously associated with Manchester United as a striker coach under manager Erik ten Hag, expressed enthusiasm for his new role. He has prior experience managing South African clubs Cape Town City and AmaZulu. The distinguished 47-year-old player earned 80 caps for South Africa, participated in the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, and played in the Premier League for Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United, even lifting the Champions League trophy with Porto in 2004.
In summary, Kenya has secured Benni McCarthy as their national football team coach in preparation for upcoming World Cup qualification matches. McCarthy, an accomplished former player, brings valuable experience from his time at Manchester United and various South African clubs. His leadership aims to propel Kenya’s efforts as the team prepares to compete and also co-hosts the 2027 AFCON finals.
Original Source: gazettengr.com
