Benni McCarthy was a first-team coach at Manchester United for 2 seasons between 2022 and 2024
Benni McCarthy has mentioned Kenya can “shock lots of people” by qualifying for the 2026 World Cup after being appointed because the nation’s new head coach.
The South African has signed a two-year deal that can see him lead the Harambee Stars as much as the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations – a event which will likely be held on residence soil in East Africa, with Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda co-hosting.
McCarthy, 47, replaces interim coach Francis Kimanzi, who has been in cost since Turkish coach Engin Firat stepped down on the finish of final 12 months.
His first video games will likely be this month’s World Cup qualifiers away in The Gambia and at residence towards Gabon.
“Taking part within the World Cup, it is likely one of the most particular emotions on this planet and I wish to give them that,” McCarthy informed BBC Sport Africa.
“With the proper mindset and dedication from the gamers, and the willingness to be taught and willingness to present every part they have for the course, I believe we will shock lots of people by nonetheless qualifying for the World Cup.”
Kenya are at the moment fourth out of six groups in Group F with 5 factors from 4 video games – 5 factors behind leaders Ivory Coast.
Solely the group winners qualify mechanically for the event in Canada, Mexico and the USA. The 4 greatest runners-up from the 9 teams could have a second probability by way of the play-offs.
McCarthy, who’s South Africa’s all-time report goalscorer, represented his nation on the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, however Kenya have by no means certified for the competitors.
Working with Mourinho and Ten Hag
McCarthy is among the many most recognisable names in African soccer, having carved out a profitable taking part in profession in Europe.
He gained Dutch league and cup titles with Ajax earlier than repeating the trick in Portugal with Jose Mourinho’s Porto, additionally including the 2004 Champions League title to his trophy haul.
The previous striker then spent 5 years within the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers and West Ham earlier than ending his taking part in days again in South Africa with Orlando Pirates.
He started his teaching profession as an assistant with Belgian membership Sint-Truiden earlier than taking cost of each Cape Town City and AmaZulu in his homeland.
Most just lately, he was part of Erik ten Hag’s backroom team at Manchester United.
“I used to be given an unimaginable alternative to go work with one of many greatest and greatest golf equipment on this planet,” he mentioned of his time at Previous Trafford.
“I simply felt the time was proper now for me to go on and do what I really like most, and that is to be supervisor and to assist gamers develop.
“When this chance (to teach Kenya) got here, I assumed the place higher to present again to the continent that is given me every part?”
‘An distinctive serial winner’
As just lately as 2022, Kenya had been suspended from international football after the nation’s sports activities ministry disbanded the nationwide soccer federation (FKF) over alleged misappropriation of funds.
However following latest elections, the FKF is working underneath a brand new administration – one which incorporates former Inter Milan midfielder McDonald Mariga as its vice chairman.
McCarthy’s appointment is an indication of intent from the organisation, which is ready to behave as co-host for this 12 months’s delayed African Nations Championship (CHAN), Africa’s worldwide competitors for homegrown gamers.
McCarthy, who can even lead that workforce, is promising Kenyans a “hard-working” philosophy, having described himself as “an distinctive serial winner” who “hates dropping”.
“For me, it is about giving the followers, the true Kenyan, an identification,” he defined.
“Kenyan persons are referred to as laborious staff, they’re identified for being loyal – and that is the sort of nationwide workforce I wish to give them.
“So gamers that work underneath me should even have that very same starvation, that very same want, that very same ardour, such as you die whenever you placed on that Kenyan shirt.
“As a result of folks have to be happy with you whenever you stroll off that area.”
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