Benni McCarthy hints at leaving Harambee Stars job
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Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 04.03.26. | 14:13
The South African has been in charge of Kenya since March 2025, with his contract set to run through to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has strongly hinted at a return to club football once his assignment with Kenya comes to an end, admitting that international management does not give him the daily involvement he craves as a coach.
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The South African has been in charge of Kenya since March 2025, with his contract set to run through to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. While a decision on his future will be made after the tournament, McCarthy has made it clear that his long-term ambitions lie back in club football.
Since taking over, the former Manchester United strikers' coach has overseen a notable revival. He guided Kenya to the quarterfinals of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), where they exited on post-match penalties.
During that run, Harambee Stars defeated DR Congo, Morocco and Zambia and held Angola to a draw, restoring belief at a time when the national team was weighed down by off-field issues.
Despite enjoying the experience, McCarthy says the limited contact time with players at the international level makes it difficult to fully implement his ideas.
Speaking to renowned South African journalist Robert Marawa, McCarthy admitted he misses the rhythm of daily training.
“My experience in Kenya has been remarkable, unbelievable and very enjoyable. But I feel I am too young to go so long without being active.
I train every day. I want to be on the training pitch daily to improve players, and I feel this has held me back because I do not have enough time with them. When I see them, I only have a week to do what I can,” he said.
With South Africa national team head coach Hugo Broos hinting he could step down after this year’s FIFA World Cup, McCarthy was asked whether he would be interested in the Bafana Bafana job. However, he suggested that international football would only appeal to him later in his career.
“I think when I get to Hugo Broos’ age, then I will consider going back to the national team. But after this experience with Kenya, I am really looking forward to managing club football again,” he said.
Instead, McCarthy threw his support behind former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane, who previously led South Africa between 2010 and 2012.
“Coach Pitso has my vote for that. He deserves another opportunity. He is the most prestigious coach to have come out of this country. He has done amazing work wherever he has gone.
His record speaks for itself. He is opening doors just as I did as a player in Europe, but in coaching, he has opened doors for us.
He was young when he got the job in 2010, but the knowledge and experience he has gained since then make him my ideal choice if they decide in that direction.”