Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy keen to link Kenyan talent with European clubs

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy is unlikely to join his former club Orlando Pirates. Image source: Imago

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy keen to link Kenyan talent with European clubs

Joel Omotto 12:57 - 08.04.2025

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy would like to use his networks to link Kenyan players to clubs abroad once he is convinced they can make the grade.

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy is not just looking to turn around the fortunes of the Kenya national team but also lift his players.

McCarthy, who played for clubs such as Ajax Amsterdam, Celta Vigo, FC Porto and Blackburn Rovers, has lots of networks that he hopes to activate for the benefit of his players in Kenya.

The tactician feels Kenya has a lot of talented players and has been impressed by their desire to want to test themselves in Europe and he believes he can be of great help thanks to the contacts he has from some European teams.

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Benni McCarthy is friends with Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo.

“I would like for us first to settle, find our feet and once we settle, then if you can help players that you think are worthy playing for top teams, it costs me nothing to pick up the phone and call Nottingham Forest for example,” McCarthy said on NTV.

“Because the manager [Nuno Espirito Santo] was one of my close friends when we played at Porto and you see the success that Nottingham is having.

“Nuno revives players, you see Anthony Elanga, at Manchester United when I was there, he was not very happy he was not succeeding and he gets an opportunity and is turning out to be one of the best players in the Premier league this season,” said the former Manchester United attacking coach.

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Benni McCarthy Harambee Stars coach.
Benni McCarthy instructs his Harambee Stars players during Kenya vs Gabon match at Nyayo Stadium. Photo/FKF Media

“Because the manager believes in these kinds of players and gives them an opportunity so it costs me nothing to call Nuno and just say; ‘hey, you know I have got a player here, called Marcelo, he is on fire and maybe have a look at him, he is the kind of player that can thrive under you.’”

The South African legend is, however, calling for patience before such can happen as he needs a full understanding of his players in terms of talent and character before making recommendations.

McCarthy feels having many players playing in Europe will further make the national team competitive as the experience gathered abroad will be translated into international matches.