Benni McCarthy’s Journey from Porto Champion to Kenya Manager

Benni McCarthy, the former South African international and UEFA Champions League winner with Porto, has embarked on a new chapter in his career as the manager of the Kenya national football team. His appointment, finalized in March 2025, marks a return to management after a successful stint as a striker’s coach at Manchester United.

From Player to Coach: A Decorated Career

Born on November 12, 1977, in Cape Town, South Africa, Benedict Saul McCarthy enjoyed a distinguished playing career. He represented clubs such as Ajax, Celta Vigo, Porto, Blackburn Rovers, and West Ham United. He is notably the only South African player to have won the UEFA Champions League, achieving this feat with Porto in 2004 [1]. McCarthy likewise holds the record as South Africa’s all-time leading goalscorer with 31 goals [1].

Manchester United Experience

Prior to taking the helm of the Kenyan national team, McCarthy served as a coach for the strikers at Manchester United under manager Erik ten Hag. He joined the Premier League club in July 2022, tasked with improving the effectiveness of the team’s forwards [2]. McCarthy expressed surprise at the invitation but embraced the challenge, confident in his ability to contribute to the development of world-class players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, and Casemiro [3].

McCarthy believed he could offer unique insights to even the most accomplished players, stating he could teach Ronaldo something new, having been in the game longer [3]. He left Manchester United in June 2024 upon the expiration of his contract.

Kenya National Team Appointment

On March 3, 2025, McCarthy was officially appointed as the head coach of the Kenya national football team [2]. He signed a two-year contract and will lead the team in their upcoming World Cup qualification matches, beginning with an away game against The Gambia and a home match against Gabon [2]. Kenya will also co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Tanzania, and Uganda.

McCarthy has expressed his ambition to build a strong and competitive squad, emphasizing the importance of discipline, structure, and a strong team identity [3]. He aims to make Kenya the best team in East Africa [3].

Previous Managerial Roles

Before his time at Manchester United, McCarthy gained managerial experience with Cape Town City (2017–2019) and AmaZulu (2020–2022) in the South African Premier Division [1].