Benni McCarthy: How former Manchester United coach won race for Harambee Stars job

How former Manchester United coach won race for Harambee Stars job

Benni McCarthy: How former Manchester United coach won race for Harambee Stars job

Festus Chuma 17:45 - 27.02.2025

Benni McCarthy edged out Claude Makelele in a tight race for the Harambee Stars job after intense FKF deliberations and evaluations.

On Christmas Day, rumors swirled that Football  Kenya Federation  (FKF) was on the verge of landing a high-profile coach to replace Engin Firat. 

The whispers intensified over the festive season with speculation reaching fever pitch as insiders hinted at a renowned figure with European football connections. 

By the time the New Year rolled in, it became clear that the race had narrowed down to two major contenders—one a UEFA Champions League winner with a deep understanding of African football, the other a decorated former Real Madrid star with a wealth of coaching experience across Europe.

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Benni McCarthy, the former Manchester United first-team coach, and Claude Makelele, the ex-Chelsea and Real Madrid midfield enforcer, were both being seriously considered.

According to FarPost, it was a battle between two footballing icons each bringing unique strengths to the table.

Makelele’s name carried immense weight as having played for some of Europe’s biggest clubs, he had experienced success at the highest level, winning league titles in Spain, England, and France, along with a UEFA Champions League triumph with Real Madrid. 

His coaching career, while not as decorated, included stints as an assistant at PSG and Swansea, as well as head coaching roles in France, Belgium, and Greece. FKF officials admired his tactical intelligence and experience in elite football structures.

However, Makelele’s coaching trajectory had been less impactful compared to his playing career. His most recent appointment at Asteras Tripolis in Greece ended after just three games in October 2024, raising concerns about his ability to command long-term success in an unstable football environment like Kenya’s. 

How former Manchester United coach won race for Harambee Stars job
Claude Makelele. IMAGE/ Imago

This is where McCarthy gained the edge. 

The South African legend had built a reputation not just as a former UEFA Champions League-winning striker, but as a coach with the ability to transform teams. 

His success at Cape Town City FC, where he won the MTN8 title, and his remarkable turnaround of AmaZulu FC, guiding them to a historic second-place finish in the South African Premier Soccer League, spoke volumes about his managerial abilities. That campaign saw AmaZulu qualify for the CAF Champions League, a feat that earned McCarthy the PSL Coach of the Season award.

Beyond his domestic coaching exploits, McCarthy’s experience with Manchester United under Erik ten Hag provided another layer of credibility. Having worked with world-class forwards such as Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, he was credited with sharpening United’s attacking play during his tenure as a first-team coach.

While Makelele was respected for his disciplined approach and deep understanding of midfield control, FKF was ultimately swayed by McCarthy’s proven record of revitalizing struggling teams. 

Sources close to the selection process indicated that McCarthy’s passion, communication skills, and knowledge of African football made a significant impact during discussions. His familiarity with the pressures of coaching on the continent, combined with his track record of maximizing limited resources, reassured FKF that he was the right man for the job.

By mid-February, the decision had been made. McCarthy had emerged as the preferred candidate, edging out Makelele in a tightly contested race. Final contract negotiations were held discreetly, leading to his arrival in Nairobi on Thursday morning to finalize the deal. 

His unveiling, scheduled for Monday, will mark the beginning of a new chapter for Kenyan football.

Kenya has struggled on the continental stage, failing to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the new coach will be tasked with reigniting the team’s competitive spirit.