Harambee Stars: Meet 3 key figures in Benni McCarthy’s backroom staff

Benni McCarthy and part of his backroom staff Moeneeb Josephs.

Harambee Stars: Meet 3 key figures in Benni McCarthy’s backroom staff

Festus Chuma 11:30 - 02.03.2025

Benni McCarthy assembles a trusted backroom team for Harambee Stars, bringing expertise, tactical insight, and a fresh approach to Kenyan football.

On Monday, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) will officially unveil Benni McCarthy as the new head coach of the Harambee Stars, ushering in a new era for Kenya’s senior men's national team. 

But McCarthy is not coming alone as he is bringing with him a team of trusted and experienced professionals who have played a crucial role in his previous coaching successes. 

Among them are Pilela Maposa, a highly-rated performance analyst, Moeneeb Josephs, a seasoned goalkeeper coach, and Vasili Manousakis, a tactically astute assistant coach. 

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Each of these individuals has a wealth of experience, having worked closely with McCarthy during his tenure at AmaZulu FC, where they transformed the club into a formidable force in South African football.

Their arrival signals a major boost for the Harambee Stars as they look to rebuild and compete on the continental stage. The trio played an instrumental role in AmaZulu’s historic CAF Champions League qualification, a feat that proved their ability to turn struggling teams into strong contenders. 

Now, with McCarthy at the helm, they are set to replicate that success with Kenya.

Pulse Sports takes  a closer look at these three key figures who will be working behind the scenes to shape the future of Kenyan football.

1.Pilela Maposa 

On Monday, as McCarthy is introduced to Kenyan football fans, Pilela Maposa will be one of the most crucial yet least visible figures in the new setup. 

A specialist in performance analysis, Maposa has built a reputation for providing cutting-edge data insights that help teams maximize their tactical efficiency. 

Harambee Stars: Meet 3 key figures in Benni McCarthy’s backroom staff
Pilela Maposa

At AmaZulu FC, his detailed opposition analysis and in-depth player performance breakdowns played a significant role in the club’s rise to prominence. 

Before his time at AmaZulu, Maposa was part of the Free State Stars technical team that shocked South African football by winning the 2018 Nedbank Cup. 

His work caught the attention of top-tier clubs, including the dominant Mamelodi Sundowns, who were keen on adding him to their analytical department.

However, his loyalty to McCarthy and belief in the long-term project they were building kept him alongside his mentor. 

Now, he brings his expertise to the Harambee Stars, where his analytical prowess will be crucial in bridging the gap between Kenya and Africa’s top footballing nations.

2.Moeneeb Josephs 

On Monday, when McCarthy steps onto the stage for his unveiling, one of the most familiar faces beside him will be Moeneeb Josephs, his long-time confidant and goalkeeper coach. 

Harambee Stars: Meet 3 key figures in Benni McCarthy’s backroom staff
Moeneeb Josephs

A former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper himself, Josephs has been part of McCarthy’s coaching journey from the beginning, offering specialized training for goalkeepers. 

During his tenure at AmaZulu, Josephs played a pivotal role in refining the shot-stopping abilities of several goalkeepers, turning them into reliable last lines of defense.

For Kenyan goalkeepers, having a mentor like Josephs will be invaluable. His ability to nurture talent and instill confidence in young keepers could see a new generation of top-class shot-stoppers emerge.

3.Vasili Manousakis 

On Monday, as McCarthy outlines his vision for the Harambee Stars, Vasili Manousakis will be preparing to bring his tactical acumen to the Kenyan national team. 

Harambee Stars: Meet 3 key figures in Benni McCarthy’s backroom staff
Moeneeb Josephs

Currently the assistant coach at Cape Town Spurs, Manousakis is expected to reunite with McCarthy once his contractual obligations are sorted. His knowledge of football tactics and game management will be crucial in ensuring that Kenya adopts a competitive and modern playing style under McCarthy’s leadership.

Manousakis was a key figure in AmaZulu’s remarkable rise during McCarthy’s tenure, helping implement tactical strategies that made the team one of the toughest sides to beat in the South African Premier Soccer League. 

His ability to analyze opponents, fine-tune formations, and make in-game adjustments played a significant role in their historic second-place finish and subsequent CAF Champions League qualification. With his expertise, Harambee Stars will benefit from structured game plans designed to maximize the team’s strengths and neutralize their opponents’ threats.

Kenyan football has often been criticized for lacking tactical discipline, something Manousakis aims to change. 

His focus on structured team play, positional awareness, and high-intensity football will bring a new level of organization to the national team. 

By working closely with McCarthy and the rest of the backroom staff, he will ensure that Harambee Stars evolve into a well-drilled and tactically disciplined side, capable of competing with Africa’s elite teams.

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