Benni McCarthy still going to Kenya? Why is the deal delayed? All revealed below.
According to reports, discussions between McCarthy’s camp and FKF began in December 2024. The Harambee Stars have been without a permanent head coach since Engin Firat resigned in December, citing unpaid wages as a key reason for his departure.
Now, despite McCarthy being the frontrunner for the position, the FKF’s internal struggles are preventing his official appointment.
Why McCarthy’s appointment is on hold
Pulse Kenya reports that negotiations between McCarthy’s representatives and FKF have stalled. The main issue? The FKF is currently drowning in financial problems. A report from the Transition Ad Hoc Committee reveals that the federation has amassed a staggering Ksh 380 million (R54 million) in debt and is embroiled in 21 legal disputes.
Before securing McCarthy’s services, FKF is reportedly working to resolve these financial challenges to ensure the South African coach can operate under stable conditions.
Is McCarthy eyeing a bigger job?
One major question arises—why would Benni McCarthy consider taking this job? After a stint at Manchester United as a first-team coach, McCarthy has been linked with high-profile clubs such as Mamelodi Sundowns and teams in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States.
Could this move be a stepping stone for McCarthy? With Hugo Broos currently coaching Bafana Bafana at 72 years old, some speculate that McCarthy may be positioning himself as a future South Africa national team coach.
Race against time: Kenya’s World Cup qualifiers loom
Kenya is running out of time to finalize McCarthy’s appointment. The March international break is fast approaching, and the Harambee Stars will kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against The Gambia and Gabon.
If FKF can sort out their financial crisis in time. McCarthy could soon take charge and lead Kenya into their World Cup qualification campaign. Until then, the football world watches closely to see if this deal will materialise. Or if McCarthy will turn his attention elsewhere.
Stay tuned with The South African as we ask, is Benni McCarthy still going to Kenya?
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