FKF Insists on Local Coach as Benni McCarthy Nears Kenya Appointment

Former Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy is reportedly set to be announced as the new head coach of Kenya’s national team, Harambee Stars, with Moneeb Josephs and Vasili Manousakis expected to join him. However, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is insisting on the addition of a local tactician to his technical team, with Nicholas Muyoti tipped for the role.

McCarthy’s Next Coaching Chapter

Since leaving his role as a first-team coach at Manchester United, speculation has surrounded McCarthy’s next move. The Bafana Bafana legend was linked to a potential move to Major League Soccer, while there were also suggestions he could lead a top CAF Champions League side such as Mamelodi Sundowns. However, recent reports indicate that he is set to take charge of the Harambee Stars, marking a bold step in his managerial career.

According to Pulse Sports Kenya, McCarthy will not be working alone, as his backroom staff will include former Orlando Pirates teammate Josephs as a goalkeeping coach and Manousakis as an assistant coach. But the FKF has pushed for a local coach to be included in his technical setup, with Muyoti now expected to join the bench.

Local Expertise to Strengthen the Technical Team

A source close to the federation confirmed that Muyoti, a former Harambee Stars player, has been identified as a key addition to McCarthy’s team.

“While he (McCarthy) will come with his technical staff, we will add one or two local coaches to his technical staff, and so far, I can confirm that Nicholas (Muyoti) will join the technical team. He is one of those who were targeted for the role, and he will come in as one of the assistants to support the new technical bench,” the source revealed.

Muyoti recently stepped down as head coach of Nairobi City Stars, a move that now appears to have paved the way for him to take up this national team role. His experience in Kenyan football is expected to help McCarthy and his team adapt quickly to the new environment.

An official announcement confirming McCarthy’s appointment is expected later this week, bringing clarity to his next managerial move. If confirmed, his arrival could signal a new era for Kenyan football, with the FKF seemingly focused on blending foreign expertise with local knowledge in the Harambee Stars’ technical setup.