The expected appointment of Benni McCarthy as the new Harambee Stars head coach could bring a fresh perspective to Kenyan football, especially in terms of youth development.
McCarthy, a former Manchester United forwards coach, is poised to replace Engin Firat in the coming days, marking his first stint as a national team manager. His previous coaching roles at AmaZulu FC and Cape Town City FC in South Africa have given him a reputation for nurturing young talent.
His arrival comes at a crucial period for Kenya as the country gears up to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Uganda and Tanzania. The tournament provides Kenya with an opportunity to establish itself as a force in African football.
The UEFA Champions League winner has been vocal about challenges facing youth development in South African football, particularly the reluctance of coaches to give young players opportunities.
“Coaches are often afraid to take risks with young players because they want to safeguard their jobs. As a result, there is a gap when the older generation retires,” McCarthy told Soccer Laduma.
He also pointed out that club owners are partly responsible, as they prioritize immediate results over long-term player development. “Club owners demand instant success and often overlook the importance of investing in young talent,” he added.
McCarthy stressed the need for better collaboration between youth and senior team coaches to ensure a seamless transition for young players. “It all starts with a clear vision at the club level,” he said.
Kenya finds itself in a rebuilding phase following its failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco. Many stakeholders have called for a shift in strategy, advocating for a greater focus on younger players in the Harambee Stars squad.
This aligns with McCarthy’s coaching philosophy, especially with the recent success of Kenya’s U20 team, which has secured a spot at the 2025 U20 AFCON in Ivory Coast.
Talented youngsters such as captain Amos Wanjala, Aldrine Kibet, Kevin Wangaya, William Gitamu, Baron Ochieng, and Andreas Odhiambo have been identified as potential future stars for the senior team. Their inclusion could provide the spark needed to revitalize Kenya’s football ambitions.
With McCarthy at the helm, Kenya could be on the verge of a new footballing era, where youth development becomes a cornerstone of the national team’s strategy.
