As of August 14, 2025, Harambee stars coach is Benni McCarthy, the former South African international striker and Champions League winner. He was officially appointed in March 2025 on a two-year deal to steer the team through key competitions like the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania. What is Harambee Stars Coach performance so far?
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Since his post, McCarthy has taken charge and guided Harambee Stars to impressive performances in the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024), including notable results against DR Congo, Angola, and Morocco.
Background and experience
McCarthy is one of South Africa’s most celebrated football exports—he’s their all-time top scorer (31 goals) and the only South African to win the UEFA Champions League, via FC Porto in 2004.
Before joining Harambee Stars, McCarthy coached in South Africa (Cape Town City, AmaZulu) and served on the first-team coaching staff at Manchester United under Erik ten Hag.
His coaching style
Benni McCarthy’s coaching style and tactical acumen have been praised, especially for how he managed challenging situations at CHAN—such as handling games with players sent off.
Deeply influenced by José Mourinho—his mentor at Porto—McCarthy emphasizes tactical discipline, a player-centered approach, a champion’s mindset, and instilling passion.
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Performance at CHAN (African Nations Championship)
McCarthy initiated a local-based training camp from March 12 to assess homegrown talent ahead of both CHAN and World Cup qualifiers.
He praised the quality of Kenyan players, likening them favorably to elite national teams like Spain, England, and France, showcasing high confidence in local talent ahead of CHAN 2024.
Harambee Stars Recent Results & Impact
World Cup Qualifiers (March 2025):
Against Gambia: The Stars played out a thrilling 3–3 draw, with fans celebrating goals like Bajaber’s, calling for strong support at Nyayo Stadium.
Against Gabon: A standout performance earned positive responses on social media, with one fan saying:
“Harambee Stars played like a team that belongs on the world stage… If football had justice, we’d be celebrating a Kenyan win right now.”
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In a notable match against Morocco, even after going down to 10 men due to a VAR-reviewed red card, the team held on to secure a 1–0 win—a testament to McCarthy’s defensive organization and discipline.
Harambee Star Coach Benni McCarthy brings a mix of signaling a potential shift in identity and ambition for the national team. Already, his leadership has produced spirited performances and renewed fan hope.
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Harambee Stars against Gambia SRC: @YouTube
I am an actress at Ndizi Tv and fun fair writer at Kenyan Moves News and Media Website.
