Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy reveals date for his book launch
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 03.12.25. | 20:26
The book promises an intimate look at the career of one of South Africa’s greatest footballers
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy is set to share his remarkable football journey with the world.
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The South African legend announced on Wednesday, 3 December, that his authorized biography, titled Benni, will be released in February 2026.
“My biography BENNI, will be released in February 2026. Looking forward to sharing this book with you,” McCarthy posted on Instagram.
The biography, co-authored with acclaimed football writer Mark Gleeson and published by Pan Macmillan South Africa, chronicles McCarthy’s journey from the Cape Flats of South Africa to becoming the only player from his country to lift the UEFA Champions League trophy.
It also details his transition from a prolific playing career into coaching, now leading Kenya’s national team.
The book promises an intimate look at the career of one of South Africa’s greatest footballers.
Jose Mourinho, McCarthy’s former mentor at FC Porto, appears on the book’s cover with the tribute: “Benni had everything that a coach loves in a player.”
McCarthy’s playing career is the stuff of legend.
He remains South Africa’s all-time top scorer with 31 goals for the national team- and enjoyed successful stints in Europe with Ajax, FC Porto, where he was part of Mourinho’s 2004 UEFA Champions League-winning squad.
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He played for Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League, and a triumphant return home with Orlando Pirates, finishing his playing days with a league title.
His coaching career has been equally notable.
Before taking the reins of the Harambee Stars in March 2025, McCarthy was first-team coach at Manchester United under Erik ten Hag and held managerial roles at Cape Town City and AmaZulu.
His coaching philosophy, influenced heavily by Mourinho, emphasizes a player-centered approach, passion-driven motivation, and cultivating a champion’s mindset, principles he now brings to the Harambee Stars as Kenya prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
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The book’s co-author Mark Gleeson brings decades of expertise in African football journalism to the project.
Widely regarded as the voice of African football, Gleeson has covered the Africa Cup of Nations since 1992, along with the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup.
In 2017, he was awarded the CAF Gold Order of Merit for his outstanding contribution to covering African football.
McCarthy is expected to be in South Africa in early 2026 to promote the book, which is already available for pre-order.
Fans can look forward to an in-depth look at his storied career.
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