Benni McCarthy wins first award in Kenya after historic CHAN run with Harambee Stars
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 02.09.25. | 13:02
The last time Kenya advanced beyond the quarterfinals of a major tournament was in 1987 at the Fourth All Africa Games in Nairobi, where they lost 1-0 to Egypt in the final
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has been named the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) August Coach of the Month, becoming the third foreign coach to receive the honour after compatriot Carlos Katywa, head coach of Kabras Sugar RFC in April, and Burundi’s Etienne Ndayiragije of Kenya Police FC in June.
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McCarthy, the only South African to have won the prestigious UEFA Champions League—achieved with Porto in 2004—led Kenya’s Harambee Stars to the CHAN quarterfinals on their debut in the tournament.
Under his guidance, Kenya recorded historic victories, including a famous 1-0 win over eventual champions Morocco, as well as 1-0 wins against two-time winners DR Congo and Zambia, and a 1-1 draw with Angola to top Group A with 10 points from 12.
In the quarterfinals, Kenya drew 1-1 with Madagascar but were eliminated 4-3 in a penalty shootout. The last time Harambee Stars advanced beyond the quarterfinals of a major tournament was in 1987 at the Fourth All Africa Games in Nairobi, where they lost 1-0 to Egypt in the final.
McCarthy emerged ahead of several notable nominees, including Strathmore Leos 7s coach William Ojal, Malkia Strikers head coach Geoffrey Omondi, who led Kenya to their first FIVB World Championship win over Vietnam; Jackline Barasa, who guided Kenya's women’s U20 volleyball team to the African U20 Championship title, and Nelson Jaika, who coached St. Peter's Boys High, Mumias, to the National Rugby 7s title.
“When you top a group with Morocco, DR Congo, Angola, and Zambia, you count your blessings. Unfortunately, the game we thought we could win became a mission impossible,” McCarthy said.
“There is a lot of talent in this country. Hopefully, we will be able to nurture them and grow.”
SJAK President James Waindi praised McCarthy’s achievement, saying, “Coaches often go unrecognised, losing the limelight to players when teams perform well. But behind every successful team is a tactically astute coach, and McCarthy has been an inspiration to the Harambee Stars.”
McCarthy’s illustrious career includes playing for Ajax, Porto, Blackburn Rovers, West Ham, Orlando Pirates, and Celta Vigo, among others.
He has previously managed Cape Town City and AmaZulu FC in South Africa and served as first-team coach at Manchester United.
He made his international debut for South Africa on June 4, 1997, and was the joint top scorer at the 1998 Africa Cup of Nations with seven goals, earning the Player of the Tournament award.
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