Harambee Stars coach McCarthy opens up on coaching job he would immediately accept
Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 12.05.26. | 18:46
However, McCarthy made it clear that he still values the day-to-day involvement of club coaching
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has admitted he would be open to taking charge of the South Africa national team in future, but insists any such move would depend on timing and circumstances.
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McCarthy, who took over the Kenya national team in March 2025, is currently under contract with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) until after the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Since his appointment, he has overseen a period of transition with the Harambee Stars, while also occasionally attracting speculation linking him to other coaching opportunities.
Back in South Africa, his name has continued to surface in discussions around top coaching roles, with reports in the past linking him to clubs such as Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.
The former Bafana Bafana striker has also previously admitted that he misses the intensity and weekly rhythm of club football and would consider returning to club management in the future.
Asked whether he would be interested in taking over the Bafana Bafana job following Hugo Broos’ expected departure after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, McCarthy said the opportunity would naturally appeal to any South African coach, but stressed he is focused on the right timing.
“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, speaking in the April edition of Kick Off Magazine.
He added that the current generation of players makes the national team an attractive project for any coach.
“So it’s a very good time to achieve things with this group of players, with the calibre and quality that they have,” he said.
However, McCarthy made it clear that he still values the day-to-day involvement of club coaching and would not rush into a national team return immediately after a major tournament cycle.
“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.”
