Harambee Stars fans and indeed Kenyans have shared their expectations and reactions to the appointment of Benni McCarthy as the national team head coach.Football Kenya Federation (FKF) officially unveiled McCarthy as the new Harambee Stars head coach on Monday, 3 March 2025, at a ceremony in a Nairobi hotel.The former Orlando Pirates striker took over the reins of the national team from veteran coach Francis Kimanzi, who was holding the position on an interim basis after the exit of former coach Engin Firat, who left in December 2024.AFC Leopards begin discussions to privatize clubJoining the former Manchester United first team coach are three members of his backroom staff, all from South Africa, namely: Vasili Manoussaki – Assistant Coach, Joseph Moeneb – Goalkeeper Coach and Pilela Maposa – Performance Analyst.As expected, Kenyans took to various social media platforms to share their expectations as McCarthy takes charge of an otherwise disappointing Harambee Stars team.Mozzart Sport’s Senior Writer, Kevin Teya, welcomed the decision to have the coach and his preferred backroom staff as it exempts future excuses of sabotage.##NAJAVA_MECA_8744404##“I am glad that he has an all SA bench. At least he won’t accuse local saboteurs in case he’s not successful,” said Teya.His sentiments were shared by popular fan and CAF D licence holder Wuod Ongare, who threw his weight behind his counterpart.“The new Harambee Technical Team is a step forward in the right direction. McCarthy has all the experience needed for modern football from his past coaching stints in Europe and here in Africa…Recap of Gor Mahia’s 11 transfers in the mid-season transfer windowWith him is also his trusted Goalkeeper trainer, with whom I believe McCathy is comfortable to work with.We hope he will have the free role of picking players of his choice without any influence from the federation like we’ve experienced before from those who had project players. The country is expectant, and Benni is the man to do the delivery to the nation. He has my full support,” he said.Alex Ngare, the CEO of fans’ team Swara FC, said he expects a lot from McCarthy, considering he has been given all the support that he needs for the job.##NAJAVA_MECA_8750529##“It is good that the coach has been given full authority of the team. Whoever much is given, much is also expected,” said Ngare.Min Blessin, on her part, is hoping that the technical bench will be allowed to pick players without interference from FKF.”I hope the TB gets to select players for the national team based on form. They should be left to work and not be told what to do by some officials in FKF,” she stated.Benni McCarthy’s miracle promise after taking over as Harambee Stars coachFormer Gor Mahia treasurer Sally Bolo took issue with the lack of a local coach in the unveiled technical bench, noting that Kenya will not gain knowledge retention and activities will be paralyzed when the coach and his staff go back home for holidays.“While this team (the TB) brings valuable experience, I strongly believe we should have at least one Kenyan assistant coach as an understudy. This would not only facilitate knowledge transfer (understudy) but also ensure continuity, especially during recess when the head coach and his South African backroom staff are on vacation.Developing our own talent should go hand in hand with bringing in top-tier professionals,” Bolo posted on her Facebook page.##NAJAVA_MECA_8744441##On the Facebook group KPL Chat, Gaddafi Junior was unhappy with the fact that the federation chose a foreigner instead of appointing one of the many qualified Kenyan coaches.“My major concern is the degradation of Kenyan local football. To begin with Kenyan has enough qualified coaches for the position.During your campaign, Mr president Hussein Mohammed, you promised to streamline local football. Kindly make it a priority. Let’s embrace the locals more as compared to the current situation,” he posted.Gor Mahia clear air on return of Benson OmalaOn the same platform, Collins Koyo posted an open letter to the 47-year-old detailing his expectations of the coach.“Dear Coach McCarthy,Congratulations on your appointment as the head coach of the Harambee Stars! Your extensive experience as both a player and coach brings renewed optimism to Kenyan football. As you embark on this journey, here are a few thoughts to consider:Embrace local talent, engage with the community, leverage your experience, focus on upcoming fixtures and build a resilient team culture##NAJAVA_MECA_8744413##Wishing you and the Harambee Stars great success in this new chapter. The nation stands behind you with hope and anticipation,” posted Koyo.On X (formerly Twitter), Amerucan believes that the former Amazulu coach will do great things should he be supported.“I just hope they will be able to pay him. If paid well and provided with resources, I see Kibet (Aldrine) meeting Yamal in the World Cup Finals,” he posted.4 daunting tasks awaiting Benni McCarthy at Harambee StarsMcCarthy’s first assignment will be Harambee Stars’ 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match against Gabon on Monday, 24 March, in Nairobi.
