Sports Correspondent

Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars, has announced Benni McCarthy as its new head coach. McCarthy, a former South African striker, was previously an assistant coach at Manchester United under Erik ten Hag.

McCarthy takes the reins from Engin Firat, who resigned in December after a three-year tenure. Firat’s departure came after Kenya failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with Zimbabwe ending their hopes.

McCarthy expressed his excitement about his new role, stating, “It’s an absolute privilege to be here in Kenya. I’m delighted to start our new journey and make Kenya one of the powerhouses in Africa again.”

McCarthy will officially begin his tenure this month, ahead of Harambee Stars’ 2026 World Cup Qualifiers matches against Gambia and Gabon.