Benni McCarthy reveals why he picked the Kenya job over MLS offers

Benni McCarthy was recently named the new head coach of the Kenya national team. This announcement came after weeks of speculation during which he was linked to the vacancy.

The former Bafana Bafana striker disclosed that he received offers from across the globe, but he turned them down.

BENNI MCCARTHY ELABORATES ON WHY HE OPTED FOR KENYA

“I won’t say demand, but I did have a few job interviews, mostly with MLS clubs,” McCarthy told FKF TV.

“I think it’s [Kenya] a sleeping giant in my eyes. I looked at the project, and they are a country with great potential.

“They have some good, talented players who play abroad in Europe, all over. So, if you have the right mindset and mentality, you can do something special with the team.

“But also, when I spoke to the federation’s deputy president [McDonald] Mariga, my agent, they told me they (FKF) are very interested,” added the former FC Porto star.

“You know it’s always nice to know that in your life, you are going out to convince people why you are a good coach, you are the right man for the job.

“With Kenya, there was a lot of respect from the federation, their president Hussein [Mohammed] and deputy president,” he continued.

“Their conversations with me were that there was a lot of respect and admiration for me, and they think my mentality and mindset, my story coming from Africa, moving to Europe at such a young age to survive and flourish under difficult circumstances is a story Kenyans can take from and take it one notch further.” He further stated.

McCarthy will finally take the reins of the Harambee Stars. However, this role is not as glamorous as the football fraternity might have anticipated from him.

MCCARTHY’S PREVIOUS COACHING EXPERIENCE

Many would have anticipated him taking on a more prominent role in Europe or similar positions, especially following Benni McCarthy’s tenure as an assistant coach to Erik Ten Haag at Manchester United from 2022 to 2024. He was the attacking coach, and he oversaw Marcus Rashford’s most prolific season where the Englishman scored 30 goals in all competitions.

“Obviously Rashy is special, a special player and a special human being. He’s Man United through and through,” McCarthy revealed to SuperSport TV in 2024 when asked about Marcus Rashford.

“With me, with me it wasn’t ‘oh Rashy’ it was ‘Marcus’ with me. I was straight to the point and he respected that.

“Instead of sweet-talking him because I need him to score so the team wins for other reasons.”

“I was a straight shooter, and I don’t think he has enough people in his life who are straight with him because everyone tells him what he needs to hear and what he wants to hear, but I was normal and I think he appreciated that.”

He has previously served as head coach for Cape Town City and AmaZulu FC. This is now the highest position that Benni McCarthy has held as a head coach.