McCarthy’s Midas Touch: Harambee Stars Coach Honored for Historic August Run
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By David Ndolo
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has been named the Betika/SJAK Coach of the Month for August, following his historic performance with the national team. The South African football legend guided the Harambee Stars to their first-ever quarterfinal appearance in 38 years at the CAF showpiece.
McCarthy becomes only the third foreign coach to receive the prestigious monthly award, following in the footsteps of Carlos Katywa of Kabras Sugar RFC and Etienne Ndayiragije of Kenya Police FC.
Under McCarthy’s leadership, the Harambee Stars had a remarkable tournament. They secured historic 1-0 victories against former champions Morocco and Zambia, as well as the Democratic Republic of Congo. The team’s impressive run ended in the quarterfinals with a penalty shootout loss to Madagascar after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. The last time the Stars advanced past the quarters was in the 1987 All-Africa Games, where they lost to Egypt in the finals.
McCarthy, a former UEFA Champions League winner with Porto in 2004 and South Africa’s all-time top scorer, expressed his appreciation for the team’s efforts.
“When you top a group with Morocco, DRC, Angola, and Zambia, you count your blessings,” McCarthy said. “There is a lot of talent in this country. Hopefully, we will be able to nurture them and grow.”
For his achievement, McCarthy received a personalized trophy and a KSh. 100,000 prize from gaming company Betika. He was chosen over other notable nominees, including Strathmore Leos 7s rugby coach William Ojal and Malkia Strikers coach Geoffrey Omondi.
Japheth Akhulia, Betika’s Marketing Manager, congratulated McCarthy, stating, “The coaches award rewards excellence and aligns with Betika’s vision of making people’s lives more enjoyable by supporting people who nurture athletes.”
James Waindi, the President of the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK), praised the partnership with Betika. “Coaches often go unrecognized, losing the limelight to players when teams perform well,” Waindi said. “But behind every successful team is a tactically astute coach, and McCarthy has been quite an inspiration to the playing unit.”
McCarthy’s illustrious career includes playing for clubs like Ajax, Porto, and Manchester United, where he also served as a first-team coach. He remains a celebrated figure in African football, notably as the joint top scorer of the 1998 African Cup of Nations.
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