Former Kenyan international Taiwo Atieno has urged fans to start believing that the country can finally qualify for the World Cup following the appointment of South African legend Benni McCarthy as the new Harambee Stars head coach. The 47-year-old McCarthy was officially unveiled on Monday, bringing an end to months of speculation over who would replace Turkish coach Engin Firat.Firat was dismissed after failing to guide Kenya to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.##NAJAVA_MECA_8755144##McCarthy will lead a new technical bench that includes assistant coach Vasili Manoussaki, goalkeepers’ coach Joseph Moeneb, and performance analyst Pilela Maposa.His contract runs until the 2027 AFCON, which Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.McCarthy’s first test comes almost immediately, with crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers on the horizon.Kenya will face Gambia away on 17 March before hosting Gabon on 24 March. FKF reveal Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy’s salary payment planHe takes over a side currently sitting fourth in Group F with five points — five behind group leaders Ivory Coast. Gabon are second with nine points, while Burundi hold third place with seven.Under Firat, Kenya played four matches in the qualifiers, losing 2-1 to Gabon, before bouncing back with a 5-0 win over Seychelles. The team drew1-1 with Burundi, and earning a valuable 0-0 draw against African champions Ivory Coast in the last fixture. Speaking exclusively to Flashscore after McCarthy’s unveiling, Atieno described the appointment as a potential turning point for Kenyan football — a moment to awaken the sleeping giant.“I believe Benni’s appointment is historic and a pivotal moment for Kenyan football and the Harambee Stars,” said Atieno. “As a footballing nation, we face a Goliath-sized challenge, but now I believe we’ve found our David to inspire us to overcome it. Benni is one of the most decorated African players in history — he knows how to conquer Goliaths.”##NAJAVA_MECA_8755785##Atieno, who was born in Brixton, England to Kenyan parents, chose to represent Harambee Stars at international level.He went on to explain why he fully supports FKF’s decision to entrust McCarthy with the job. The South African’s most recent role was as a first-team coach at Premier League giants Manchester United.“What I admire most about Benni is that he still has the fight in him. He hasn’t lost his love, desire, and passion for the game,” Atieno added. “That energy will inspire our players to express themselves without fear and push to achieve greater things.”Atieno, who represented Kenya in qualifiers for both the 2010 World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations, further emphasized the need for Kenyans to shift their mindset and start believing in their World Cup potential.“Kenya is the 27th largest country in the world — England is 26th — and we are the seventh largest economy in Africa. We must start believing that World Cup qualification is possible and then use that belief to train, prepare, and work harder than ever before.”Benni McCarthy facing first major blow as Harambee Stars coachDrawing from his own experience growing up in England, Atieno underlined the power of belief in shaping footballing success.“I was born and raised in a country that always qualifies for the World Cup. Everyone in England believes it’s possible — and they work towards it at every level. After 15 years involved in Kenyan football, I have no doubt Kenya has the passion, talent, and love for the game to reach that same level of belief.”##NAJAVA_MECA_8755728##He concluded with a call to unity and positivity.“When we all start dreaming together and supporting each other positively to achieve this, that’s when dreams come true. But it takes hard work, sacrifice, and a collective belief to make it happen.”
