“Picture Taken in the 90s”: South Africans React to Benni McCarthy’s Harambee Stars Appointment
- South Africans have jokingly reacted to Benni McCarthy's appointment as Harambee Stars coach
- The former Manchester United first team coach will lead the Kenyan national team until 2027
- The former AmaZulu and Cape Town City coach represented Bafana Bafana 80 times and scored 30 goals
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Benni McCarthy has been hired as the new Harambee Stars coach to replace Engin Firat who left the role in December.
The South African will be in the dugout for the first time later this month when Kenya faces The Gambia and Gabon in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
South Africans have reacted to McCarthy's appointment and made fun of a photo with his assistant.
Source: Getty Images
Benni McCarthy takes charge of Harambee Stars
On Monday, Benni McCarthy was unveiled as the new Harambee Stars coach to replace Engin Firat.
The South African inked a deal until 2027 and will be assisted by his compatriots Moeneeb Josephs, who is a goalkeeper coach, assistant coach Vasili Manousakis and performance analyst Philela Maposa, per Football Kenya Federation (FKF).
McCarthy beat former Chelsea and Real Madrid midfielder Claude Makelele to take the role.
South African journalist Robert Marawa shared a blurry photo of McCarthy and Josephs, and his compatriots reacted hilariously.
South Africans react to McCarthy appointment
"I hope they’re paying our brothers good money this camera quality doesn’t give me hope 😭😭😭"
"That pic looks like it was taken in 2005, if they survive 6 months it will be a miracle 💀"
"They took the picture ka Blackberry in 2013."
"Congratulations to the next Bafana Bafana coach, this is just a stepping stone and i can't wait to see you leading the country of your birth to greater heights. Enjoy your time with the Harambee Stars for now and good luck."
"I'm proud of them for their skills will be on the spotlight. Wish them strength and courage to deliver the Kenya National Team from the lion's den."
"The picture is like they are in heaven😫I was about to send my condolences"
@HlatiSicelo:
"They look like they were unveiled in a dream."
Source: Getty Images
What is McCarthy's ambition as Harambee Stars coach?
McCarthy has plenty of work on his hands as he takes over the Kenya national football team.
Harambee Stars failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, winning once in their six qualifying games.
The 2027 AFCON is probably the goal, but the 2026 FIFA World Cup is also his ambition. Kenya are fourth in Group F of the qualifiers after four games.
With Kenya co-hosting the 2027 AFCON, McCarthy will be tasked with building a serious team.
"I am honoured to take on this role and excited about the journey ahead with the Kenyan national team. I have studied the talent in this country, and I believe there is immense potential to compete at the highest level. Together with my coaching team, we are committed to building a structured, disciplined, and competitive squad....Our goal is to develop a strong team identity, play exciting football, and make the nation proud," McCarthy said via Football Kenya.
He will also have the Africa Nations Championships (CHAN), which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania
How much will Benni McCarthy earn?
TUKO.co.ke earlier reported on McCarthy's salary as Harambee Stars coach.
The Champions League winner will reportedly receive around eight million shillings per month. FKF head of communications Jeff Kinyanjui, however, quickly moved in to rebuff the claims, but fell short of putting the matter to rest.
"There have been false reports claiming Benni McCarthy will be earning Ksh 8 million a month. To be clear, this is inaccurate. The coach’s salary is paid by the government and falls under the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) guidelines. Even the entire technical bench does not earn such an amount collectively."
Kenya has in the past found itself in problems after failing to honour the contracts of its national team coaches. Adel Amrouche was the most recent coach to file a case against Kenya with McCarthy's predecessor, Engin Firat, threatening to follow a similar suit if his dues are not honoured.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
