South African Benni McCarthy is the new Harambee Stars coach, and he is set to be unveiled on Monday to replace Engin Firat, who quit his position in December 2024, citing non-payment of his dues by the federation.The former Manchester United forwards coach was selected by FKF’s recruiting panel during an interview conducted in December, where several coaches were interviewed.##NAJAVA_MECA_8737248##The Champions League winner eventually came out on top, becoming the first Harambee Stars coach under the new FKF administration, led by president Hussein Mohamed.The recruitment process saw several high-profile coaches interviewed, and among those who were close to securing the job was former French international Claude Makelele. The former midfielder performed well during the interview process but eventually came second to the former striker, who has previously coached Cape Town City FC and Amazulu.Date set for Benni McCarthy’s unveiling as new Harambee Stars coachAccording to a source, the former Chelsea and Real Madrid midfielder, who has coached at Bastia, Eupen, and Asteras Tripolis, performed well during the interview but was edged out by McCarthy due to his lack of experience coaching in Africa.”He was also a highly competitive candidate for the position and had a solid plan for the national team if he had been appointed,” the source disclosed.One of the parameters the recruitment team based their decision on was experience in handling a team in Africa, which McCarthy has, having managed clubs in his native South Africa.Study shows how Faith Kipyegon could achieve ‘the unimaginable’ in the Mile”However, where McCarthy had the edge was his experience in African football. Benni has both played and coached in Africa, which was one of the key criteria we considered during the recruitment process. We were looking for someone with a strong connection to continental football, and Benni excelled in that aspect,” the source added.The source expressed confidence in the new boss delivering.”He’s a talented coach with valuable experience both on the continent and abroad, and we are confident he’s the right person for the job. We believe he’ll perform well, starting with the March fixtures,” the source concluded.The new coach will be unveiled on Monday by the federation.Mission impossible for Murang’a Seal? Joe Waithira speaks
