WATCH: Benni McCarthy (Kenya coach/Bafana legend) lashes out at complacent South African footballers: "No hunger, just comfort"
The newly-appointed coach has vowed to elevate the East African team to continental prominence since assuming the role several weeks ago.
WHAT HAPPENED?
McCarthy’s tenure as Manchester United’s striking coach ended when his contract expired after the 2023/24 campaign without renewal. Following months without a club, the South African was named head coach of Kenya’s Harambee Stars. His debut matches came in 2026 World Cup qualifying – a dramatic 3-3 draw with Gambia followed by a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Gabon.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
During a Monday night appearance on Kenya’s NTV, the Bafana Bafana legend outlined his ambitious plans for Harambee Stars. McCarthy revealed his immediate target is winning the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), with his ultimate focus being a strong showing when Kenya co-hosts the 2027 AFCON alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
The former Manchester United coach contrasted Kenyan players’ mentality with some South African professionals, criticizing those content with staying in the Premier Soccer League rather than pursuing greater challenges.
WHAT BENNI SAID
“South Africa is an extremely talented country with players who pop up from everywhere, but their ambition is very low,” he said on the TalkSport Show on NTV.
“There is no ambition because when I grew up in South Africa, my ambition was to play for Man United, so I made it a point that I am going to work extremely hard to get there, but if I don’t get there, I will play against them.
“That is maybe not the ultimate, but it is a level just below that was the kind of ambition, but in South Africa, players are exceptional talents, they have got what it takes but they are happy to stay in South Africa,” McCarthy continued.
“They don’t want to move because they are in their comfort zone and for me, that is underselling yourself because in order to be the best, you have to play against the best.
“You have to test yourself against the best teams in the world, the best players in the world. In South Africa, you are not going to get that.
“Yes, our league is very strong, but I am just saying, the ambition for me to play Bruno Fernandes. I want to play against Kylian Mbappe in the Champions League. If you play in South Africa, you will never get that,” the former striker concluded.
WATCH NOW: BENNI'S BLUEPRINT TO TRANSFORM KENYAN FOOTBALL
Benni McCarthy: What I have experienced here in Kenya is that there are so many players going abroad to Europe. There are not afraid to step out of their comfort zone#SportOn @BernardNdong @JWokabi pic.twitter.com/4Rxw0n3quZ
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) April 7, 2025
WHAT NEXT?
Since becoming Harambee Stars coach, Benni McCarthy has made no shortage of bold promises to Kenyan fans. The tactician has emphasized building his own squad to meet supporters’ soaring expectations. Now, the football world waits to see his masterplan in action and whether he can turn vision into results.
