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Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy suffers setback in pursuit of dream job
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 02.07.26. | 17:34
The minister also revealed that he has already discussed the matter with SAFA president Danny Jordaan
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy's dream of taking charge of his native South Africa has suffered a major setback after the country's Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, publicly endorsed Pitso Mosimane as the only candidate to succeed current Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos.
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McCarthy, who took charge of Kenya in March 2025, has never hidden his ambition of leading the South African national team, describing it as a role he would gladly accept.
Speaking to Kick Off Magazine earlier this year, the former Manchester United forwards coach said:
"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 also believes the current South African squad has the quality to achieve major success.
"It's a very good time to achieve things with this group of players, with the calibre and quality that they have."
With Broos expected to leave after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, McCarthy has regularly been mentioned among the leading candidates to replace him alongside former Mamelodi Sundowns, Al Ahly and Al Wahda coach Mosimane.
However, McKenzie has made it clear that he believes there is only one suitable successor.
Speaking on SABC TV, the minister dismissed reports that the South African Football Association (SAFA) is considering several candidates.
"I have been listening to SAFA saying they are shortlisting different coaches. There is no different coach. There is one coach that must lead Bafana Bafana, and that is Pitso Mosimane."
McKenzie said Mosimane's understanding of South African football makes him the ideal choice.
"We need a person who understands our boys. I have put my word as the Minister of Sports behind Pitso Mosimane."
The minister also revealed that he has already discussed the matter with SAFA president Danny Jordaan, the federation's technical leadership and Mosimane himself.
"I hear all these names being mentioned, but wait... Pitso Mosimane, what more do you want? I have spoken with Danny Jordaan, the chairman of the technical team and with Pitso himself."
"Pitso got many job offers, but I told him, 'Don't take them.' We need Pitso Mosimane now. That man has a plan."
Although the Sports Minister has no authority over SAFA's appointment process, his strong public backing of Mosimane represents another obstacle to McCarthy's hopes of landing what has long been his dream job.
