Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy believes Kenya is on the verge of a major football breakthrough — one that could reshape the country’s global sporting identity. Although Kenya is long celebrated for producing world-class athletes, McCarthy is convinced that football is about to take centre stage.
Speaking in an in-depth interview with Sporty TV, the South African tactician reflected on Kenya’s impressive showing at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). For him, the tournament revealed not just potential, but a genuine shift in the football culture across the country.
A Tough Group That Sparked Belief
McCarthy admitted that he initially approached CHAN 2024 with caution. Kenya found itself in what many fans and analysts called the “Group of Death,” featuring three-time champions Morocco, two-time winners DR Congo, an in-form Angola side, and Zambia.
“I was quite fearful because of the group that we were in,” McCarthy said, recalling the early expectations that Kenya and Zambia would battle for the bottom spots.
But the Harambee Stars flipped the script in stunning fashion. Kenya topped the group after beating DR Congo, Morocco, and Zambia by identical 1–0 scorelines and drawing 1–1 with Angola. The results were unexpected across the continent — but not to McCarthy.
“The football that we played deserved that number one spot,” he explained. “We developed a real family environment. The players enjoyed the freedom to express themselves, and they had fun both on and off the pitch.”
How CHAN Changed the Players
For many of the players, CHAN 2024 offered their first experience playing in front of massive, high-pressure crowds. McCarthy said part of his job was helping them manage the nerves that come with such a stage.
“It was nerve-wracking for them, and understandable,” he said. “I just wanted them to embrace the moment. Not many people get to perform in front of that many fans in their careers.”
Kenya’s run ended in the quarter-finals after a penalty shootout defeat to Madagascar following a 1–1 draw in normal time. Despite the exit, McCarthy believes the tournament marked a turning point for the squad and for Kenyan football as a whole.
Why McCarthy Believes Kenya’s Football Future Is Bright
According to the former Manchester United first-team coach, Kenya’s passion for football is growing at a pace he didn’t anticipate — and the talent level is rising alongside it.
“Kenya now is a footballing country; it is no more athletics,” McCarthy boldly stated. “They have big legends in athletics, yes, but Kenya will be known for football and not athletics.”
For a man who has coached at the highest level, McCarthy’s comments reflect a deeper belief that Kenya’s player development, fan culture, and competitive spirit are aligning at the right time. The CHAN performance, he says, is proof that the ceiling is much higher than many imagined.
A New Identity for Kenyan Sport?
Kenyan football has often lived in the shadow of the country’s long-distance running dominance. But with rising talent, a growing domestic fan base, and a national team playing with confidence, McCarthy believes that identity is shifting.
And if the Harambee Stars’ CHAN 2024 campaign is any indicator, that shift may be happening sooner rather than later.
