Benni McCarthy Opens Up on Coaching Job He Would Instantly Accept

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has opened up about his future ambitions in football management, admitting that he would be willing to take charge of South Africa's national team if the opportunity ever presented itself.

The former Bafana Bafana striker, who was appointed Kenya's head coach in March 2025, is currently focused on leading the Harambee Stars through a crucial period as the country prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Uganda and Tanzania. However, despite his commitment to Kenya, McCarthy's name continues to be linked with some of the biggest coaching positions in African football.

Since taking over the Harambee Stars, McCarthy has brought renewed optimism among Kenyan football fans. His arrival was viewed as a major statement by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), given his experience as both a player and coach. The South African legend enjoyed a distinguished playing career that included winning the UEFA Champions League with Porto under Jose Mourinho before transitioning into coaching roles with Cape Town City, AmaZulu, and later Manchester United's first-team coaching staff.

Because of his growing reputation, speculation about his next move has never been far away. Back home in South Africa, he has frequently been linked with coaching roles at top clubs such as Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, while many supporters have also tipped him as a future Bafana Bafana coach.

Speaking in the April edition of Kick Off Magazine, McCarthy acknowledged that leading South Africa's national team would be a special opportunity.

"I think a lot of people will be interested in the job coaching Bafana. But if I'm asked, of course I would. It's my country. It's the national team," he said.

His comments come amid discussions surrounding the future of current South Africa coach Hugo Broos, who is expected to step down after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With South Africa showing signs of progress under Broos and boasting an exciting generation of players, McCarthy believes the national team project is becoming increasingly attractive.

"So it's a very good time to achieve things with this group of players, with the calibre and quality that they have," he explained.

Despite expressing admiration for the role, McCarthy made it clear that he is in no rush to make a return to international management with his home country. The 47-year-old admitted that one aspect of coaching he misses is the fast-paced nature of club football.

Unlike national team coaches who often wait weeks or even months between matches, club managers are involved in daily training sessions, tactical planning, player development, and weekly competition. For McCarthy, that constant involvement remains one of the most enjoyable aspects of coaching.

"But maybe not the next job after the World Cup because I miss club football... because there is too much time in between matches for the national team," he said.

The remarks suggest that while coaching Bafana Bafana remains a dream he would gladly consider, his immediate future could still involve a return to club football before taking on another international role.

For Kenyan football fans, however, McCarthy's focus remains firmly on the Harambee Stars. The South African has repeatedly spoken about his belief in the talent available in Kenya and the potential for the national team to compete at a higher level. With the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations drawing closer, expectations are steadily growing for him to build a competitive squad capable of making the most of home advantage on the continental stage.

As speculation about his long-term future continues, McCarthy appears determined to concentrate on the task at hand. While the prospect of coaching Bafana Bafana may one day become a reality, his current mission is clear: helping Kenya establish itself as a force in African football and delivering a memorable AFCON campaign for the nation.

For now, the message from McCarthy is simple, his heart remains with the Harambee Stars, but if South Africa ever came calling at the right time, it would be an opportunity he would find difficult to ignore.