Sports Correspondent

Benni McCarthy is reportedly poised to take over as the new head coach of the Kenya national football team, Harambee Stars.

McCarthy, who has been without a club since leaving Manchester United in June, where he served as assistant coach to Erik Ten Hag, is said to have emerged as the top candidate for the role. According to reports from both Kenya and South Africa, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) recently conducted interviews and has made the decision to appoint the former Bafana Bafana striker.

The 46-year-old South African is expected to begin his tenure in January 2025.

McCarthy will take over from Engin Firat, who resigned earlier this month after a three-year stint as the national team coach. Firat’s resignation followed Kenya’s elimination from the race to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with Zimbabwe playing a key role in ending their hopes.