McCarthy to Face Gambia & Gabon in First Clashes as Kenyan Coach

South African football icon, and former PSL coach, Benni McCarthy who had this week been appointed as the new head coach of Kenya’s national men’s football team, will have his work cut out for him in his first two games in-charge of the Harambee Stars.

47-year old McCarthy reportedly signed an initial two-year contract that will see him take charge of the Kenyan squad, at least until the 2027 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) which Kenya is co-host to, alongside neighbouring states Uganda and Tanzania.

Previous Coaching Experience

McCarthy, was previously coach of South African PSL squad Cape Town City and Amazulu, was also appointed as attack-coach for English Premier League side Manchester United

MacCarthy stated at the official announcement that “I am delighted to be here, and I proud to have taken this challenge with a national team which has a lot of potential”.

FKF president Hussein Mohammed commented at his appointment that “We are confident that Benni is the right person to lead our national team forward. His experience, vision, and commitment to developing Kenyan football align perfectly with our ambitions. We had a long list of coaches who were interested but when we looked at what he brings to the table, we were convinced it was a right decision,” Hussein said.

Key Clashes Ahead

McCarthy’s first game in charge of the Harambee Stars will be in less than two weeks against Gambia away on March 17 and will also face Gabon later on March 24 in their next two clashes of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

McCarthy remarked on the World Cup qualifiers saying: “It is possible to win the two games and collect six points and then we can see where that takes us,” McCarthy said concerning the World Cup qualifiers. He adds; “We just need to change the mentality of the players and not give up home. This campaign can be successful and anything is possible. We will work hard with the players and staff and we look at possibly finishing the group in the top two.”

The post McCarthy to Face Gambia & Gabon in First Clashes as Kenyan Coach appeared first on EntertainmentSA News South Africa.