Benni McCarthy: How Kenya’s Coach Nearly Landed the Bafana Bafana Job

By Emmanuel Kyengo;

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy could have found himself in the opposite dugout when Kenya takes on South Africa in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, had his coaching ambitions taken a different direction.

The South African football legend was among the names considered as a potential successor to veteran Belgian coach Hugo Broos, who was expected to leave the Bafana Bafana coaching position after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

McCarthy, who was appointed Kenya’s head coach on March 3, 2025, openly expressed his interest in managing his home country’s national team despite having a contract with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).

In an interview with KickOff Magazine in April 2026, the former Manchester United striker coach admitted that he would gladly accept an opportunity to lead South Africa if approached.

He explained that coaching Bafana Bafana would be a special responsibility because of his deep connection with the country and its national football team.

McCarthy remains one of South Africa’s most celebrated footballers, having scored 31 goals in 81 international appearances, making him the country’s all-time leading goalscorer.

However, his ambitions have extended beyond international football, with the former striker repeatedly expressing his desire to return to club management.

In May 2026, McCarthy revealed that he would not hesitate to accept an offer from English Championship side Blackburn Rovers, where he enjoyed a successful playing career between 2006 and 2010.

During his time at Blackburn, he scored 52 goals in 140 appearances, establishing himself as an important figure at the English club.

He said the club held a special place in his heart and that he would welcome an opportunity to help them return to the Premier League.

McCarthy has also spoken about his preference for the demands of club football, particularly the opportunity to work with players daily on the training ground.

Despite describing his experience with Harambee Stars as remarkable, he indicated that he still wanted to remain active in day-to-day coaching rather than spend extended periods away from regular training sessions.

His tenure in Kenya has also been accompanied by challenges, including concerns over delayed payments to players and members of the technical bench.

In an interview with Sporty TV, McCarthy expressed frustration over the financial difficulties and suggested that he could seek assistance from FIFA or the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Questions have also emerged over his commitment to the Kenyan national team, particularly after it emerged that he had not yet received a work permit, according to comments he made in September 2026.

The latest developments come as McCarthy prepares to lead Kenya against his native South Africa at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg on Friday, November 13, 2026.

The match presents an unusual situation for the 49-year-old coach, who will be facing the country where he built his football legacy.

South Africa, under coach Pitso Mosimane, entered the encounter as Group D leaders after winning their opening two qualifying matches against Guinea and Eritrea.

Kenya, meanwhile, had collected one point from a draw against Eritrea and a defeat to Guinea. The Harambee Stars have already secured a place at the 2027 AFCON finals as co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

The encounter will also mark another chapter in the history between the two national teams, with South Africa having won three of their previous four meetings, while the other ended in a draw.

For McCarthy, the assignment carries both professional and personal significance. Although he once hoped to occupy the Bafana Bafana technical bench, he will now be seeking to guide Kenya against the country he represented with distinction as a player.

Whether his time with Harambee Stars will extend beyond his current contract remains to be seen, particularly as other coaching opportunities continue to feature in his ambitions.