Kenyan football has seen its fair share of optimism, delusion, and outright managerial theatrics. From Engin Firat’s condescending pressers to the latest wave of hope under Benni McCarthy, Harambee Stars have always been a team in flux. But now, the narrative is shifting—McCarthy has made it clear: he’s here to shock the world.
Appointing McCarthy isn’t just about football; it’s about sending a statement. Kenya, a country still healing from years of football mismanagement and a FIFA ban, now has a Champions League winner in charge. And not just any Champions League winner—one who worked under Jose Mourinho, one who bullied Premier League defenses with Blackburn Rovers, and one who, at Manchester United, polished some of the best attackers in the world. But let’s cut the sentiment—will McCarthy’s appointment propel Kenya to the 2026 World Cup, or is this another hopeful hallucination?
Before we get into McCarthy’s vision, let’s acknowledge the ghost of Engin Firat. The Turkish coach left Kenya with nothing but bitter soundbites and a record to forget. When Harambee Stars failed to qualify for the 2023 AFCON, Firat didn’t take responsibility—he took shots. His infamous “Kenya is not a footballing nation” comment, justified by the absence of Kenyan journalists in Cameroon, wasn’t just tactless; it was arrogant. Sure, he wasn’t entirely wrong—Kenyan football has structural issues—but his delivery was a spit in the face of the very people who gave him a job.
McCarthy, by contrast, has shown early signs of media friendliness. He understands that football isn’t just played on the pitch; it’s a gamble in the hearts and emotions of the people. If he maintains this approach, he might just avoid the PR landmines that Firat stepped on with reckless abandon.
Let’s be real—McCarthy’s decision to take this job was a gamble. He could have stayed in Europe, taken an easier gig, or even waited for a cushy national team job back home in South Africa. Instead, he’s betting on Harambee Stars, a team that has never graced a World Cup.
The critics have already started sharpening their knives, questioning his managerial experience beyond being a first-team coach at Manchester United. His response? “How can I not?” A fitting answer from a man who’s spent his life defying expectations. McCarthy doesn’t buy into the excuses. He took his coaching badges seriously, spent years refining his craft, and now, he wants to make history. If Kenya is willing to listen, this could be the most transformative appointment in its football history.
Kenya’s current situation in the World Cup qualifiers is precarious. Fourth in the group with five points, chasing Ivory Coast—an African powerhouse—is no easy task. The math is unforgiving: only the group winners qualify automatically, and Kenya is five points behind the Elephants. The safety net? The best four runners-up get a shot at the play-offs.
But McCarthy has made it clear: he’s not here to be a placeholder. He believes in meritocracy—if a 15-year-old is good enough, he plays. No sacred cows, no bloated egos. And let’s be honest, that’s a refreshing stance in a team that has, for years, suffered from selection biases.
His debut challenge? Two crucial World Cup qualifiers—away in The Gambia and at home against Gabon. If Kenya can pull off results in these fixtures, the dream stays alive. If not, then we’ll have to measure McCarthy’s reign by other metrics—like preparing the team for CHAN and AFCON 2027, which by the way Kenya will co-host alongside Tanzania and Uganda.
McCarthy is bringing fresh energy, pedigree, and a winning mentality to a team that has spent too much time settling for mediocrity. But his biggest challenge isn’t tactics; it’s mentality. Kenya doesn’t lack talent—it lacks belief, structure, and consistency. And McCarthy knows that.
His time at Manchester United gave him exposure to elite football structures, but can he translate that to a team that has never had a stable long-term project? That’s the million-dollar question. What’s clear, though, is that McCarthy isn’t here to play it safe. He’s here to shake things up, and if his past is anything to go by, he thrives in chaos.
For the first time in a long time, Harambee Stars have a coach who doesn’t just want to qualify for tournaments—he wants to disrupt the status quo. Whether this journey ends in triumph or heartbreak, one thing is certain: Kenya is about to embark on its boldest football adventure yet.
