Onsika endorses Benni McCarthy for Harambee Stars Head Coach role

Former Kenya international Elijah Onsika has urged the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to act swiftly in appointing former Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy (46) as the new head coach of the Kenya national team, Harambee Stars.

The local federation is seeking a new coach following the departure of Engin Firat, who managed the team for nearly three years. Firat resigned after failing to lead Harambee Stars to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Morocco.

Currently, Kenya is under the interim management of Francis Kimanzi, who is supported by Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno and John Kamau. Kimanzi has been tasked with preparing the team for the ongoing invitational 2025 Mapinduzi Cup tournament in Zanzibar.

According to Flashscore, the FKF had contacted former Bafana Bafana striker McCarthy at the end of last year, and he has expressed his willingness to accept the position, arriving with one assistant in preparation for the 2024 Africa Nations Championships (CHAN) tournament, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

A source within the FKF, who requested anonymity, confirmed that McCarthy, who earned 79 caps and scored 31 goals for the South African national team, is expected to arrive in East Africa for the unveiling ceremony before January 10th.

“The next coach of Harambee Stars is set to be Benni McCarthy, barring any unforeseen changes. FKF and his agent are currently finalizing the contract, with the aim to unveil him by January 10, 2025,” the unnamed FKF source informed Flashscore.

“McCarthy has already accepted the offer and will be permitted to bring one assistant, while Kenya will provide him with an additional assistant. It is clear that Kimanzi has been appointed on an interim basis, allowing him to transition the role to McCarthy.”

Onsika remarked, “Recently, he was associated with Manchester United, where his influence on the strikers was evident. His impact on their performance was clear, and given his background as a proficient striker during his playing career, his arrival in Kenya presents an opportunity to nurture and enhance the skills of more players. He will have the opportunity to work with Michael Olunga and further develop his abilities.”

Furthermore, Onsika urged the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to ensure that a Kenyan coach remains on the technical staff under McCarthy's leadership, asserting that this would instill confidence in local coaches.

“While I have no objections to McCarthy's appointment, it is essential to maintain a balanced technical bench. We should not exclude Kenyan coaches; if McCarthy is to join, he should be accompanied by at least one or two local coaches,” Onsika elaborated.

“By doing this, FKF would demonstrate its trust in local coaches and boost their morale. For instance, Firat had a team of at least four coaches, including a goalkeeper trainer, and this is the model we should follow.

We must not marginalize local coaches when hiring foreign ones; their presence is crucial for learning and development.”

He continued, “It is imperative for FKF to establish a permanent technical bench for the national team as soon as possible, especially with the upcoming 2024 CHAN (scheduled for 2025), the 2027 AFCON, and the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifiers. We need to initiate preparations promptly and ensure that the appointed coaches are given the autonomy to perform their roles effectively.”

McCarthy most recently served as a first-team coach at Manchester United and previously held the position of head coach for AmaZulu in the South African Premier Division. As a former forward, he is recognized as the all-time leading scorer for the South African national team and is the only South African to have won the UEFA Champions League, achieving this feat with Porto in the 2003-04 season.

Kimanzi commended his players for adhering to tactical instructions during their 2-0 victory over Tanzania in their second match of the 2025 Mapinduzi Cup, held at Gombani Stadium in Zanzibar on Tuesday.

Following a scoreless first half, the match shifted significantly in the second half. Boniface Muchiri opened the scoring in the 55th minute, taking advantage of the persistent pressure exerted by the Kenyan team. The second goal was scored in the 67th minute by young talent Ryan Ogam, marking his inaugural goal for the senior national team and securing the win.

“It was a commendable performance, a strong effort, and an impressive display from the players. This victory is particularly gratifying for the technical staff and the medical team, who played a crucial role in ensuring the players recovered swiftly after the first match,” Kimanzi remarked post-match.

“I believe this win belongs to the team, the supporters, and the technical staff, as the players put in the effort and adhered to our instructions. They maintained their composure, which is commendable, and demonstrated resilience throughout the entire 90 minutes.”

Kenya, participating as a guest nation in the invitational tournament, is grouped with Burkina Faso, Tanzania, and Zanzibar. They began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against the Stallions.

Regarding the upcoming match against Zanzibar in the final group stage, Kimanzi stated: “That will be the most challenging encounter, as we will face the hosts. Both teams have four points, but the distinction lies in the goals scored. However, I believe we are improving mentally.

“With each match, we are enhancing our character, and the atmosphere will be different, which I know will invigorate our players. I am eagerly anticipating that match, as I am confident we will put up a strong fight.”

Kimanzi reiterated his plans to rotate the squad for the upcoming match against Zanzibar. “It is essential to rotate the squad as this is a select team, and every player is prepared. At times, it is necessary to provide them with an opportunity to showcase their abilities, while also aiming to prevent injuries, particularly on an artificial pitch.”

Hussein Mohammed, President of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), expressed his congratulations to the team via his social media platforms for their well-deserved victory.

“Congratulations to Kenya for their 2-0 triumph over Kilimanjaro Stars in the Mapinduzi Cup! The team demonstrated a commendable response, proving they possess the capability to advance further,” Mohammed stated.

“This tournament plays a crucial role in our preparations for CHAN, and performances of this caliber foster the confidence required for success. Excellent work, The Harambee Stars!”

Currently, Kenya leads the group with four points, tied with Burkina Faso but ahead on goal difference. The team will now turn its attention to their next match against the hosts, Zanzibar, scheduled for Friday, January 10, 2025, with kickoff set for 19:00 at Gombani Stadium.

Kenya is utilizing this tournament as part of their preparations for the 2024 CHAN, which they will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.