Benni McCarthy hailed for his impact – He has seen it, he has done it & has been there

South Africa legend Benni McCarthy has been doing relatively well in his coaching career domestically and abroad.

In the Premier Soccer League, the 47-year-old has headed Cape Town City and AmaZulu, where he exceeded expectations. For instance, during his spell with Usuthu, they finished second in the PSL – for the first time in their history, and played the CAF Champions League, a fete they haven't achieved again.

Manchester United took him in as well to be the strikers' coach during Erik Ten Hag's time, but his contract was not renewed.

However, his biggest assignment has been with the Kenya national team, Harambee Stars, which he took on early this year.

Benni given his flowers

The former striker has managed Kenya in 13 games across all competitions, with a return of six wins, three draws, and four losses. He had a decent outing with the team in 2024 CHAN, where Stars reached the quarter-finals before falling in the penalty shootout against Madagascar.

Harambee Stars goalkeeper Farouk Shikhalo, who recently joined Ethiopia's top-tier outfit Saint George SC, has shed light on McCarthy's influence on the team and its players.

“He is the best coach I have worked with, there's no other great thing like having a coach who is a big brother, like a father, one who guides you,” he said as quoted by Pulse Sports.

“Despite him being the manager, he has given us the environment to share anything, and he has managed to stand with us throughout our circumstances. That is the kind of coach we have now, a coach you can lean on.

“He has seen it, he has done it, and has been there, and with all the experience he has gathered, he is guiding us well. I’m learning a lot from him,” the 29-year-old Shikhalo concluded.