Benni McCarthy has been appointed as Kenya’s head coach, aiming for World Cup qualification in 2026. He has signed a two-year contract that also involves leading the team in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. His immediate focus is on upcoming qualifiers against The Gambia and Gabon, with a strong emphasis on instilling commitment and pride among players.
Benni McCarthy has articulated his ambition for Kenya to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, expressing confidence that they can “surprise a lot of people” in achieving this feat. Recently appointed as the head coach for the Harambee Stars, McCarthy has secured a two-year contract that will carry him through the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya, alongside Tanzania and Uganda, will co-host.
At 47 years old, McCarthy takes over from interim coach Francis Kimanzi, stepping into the role amidst a challenging qualification campaign. His immediate tasks include upcoming World Cup qualifiers against The Gambia and Gabon. “Participating in the World Cup, it is one of the most special feelings in the world and I want to give them that,” McCarthy stated during an interview with BBC Sport Africa.
Currently, Kenya ranks fourth in Group F, acquiring five points from four matches, lagging behind Ivory Coast by five points. The group leader will qualify automatically for the tournament, while the four best runners-up will proceed to playoff rounds.
A prominent figure in African football, McCarthy’s illustrious playing career includes successful stints at Ajax and Porto, the latter where he won multiple titles including the UEFA Champions League. His experience extends to coaching, having worked under esteemed managers such as José Mourinho and Erik ten Hag during his tenure at Manchester United, where he had the opportunity to develop his management skills.
In summary, Benni McCarthy’s appointment as the new head coach of Kenya’s national football team brings renewed hope for World Cup qualification. With a focus on instilling a strong work ethic and national pride, McCarthy aims not only to prepare the team for upcoming qualifiers but also to foster a winning mentality among players. His previous successes and strategic vision position him as a promising leader for the Harambee Stars and Kenyan football overall.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
