Harambee Stars Technical Bench Gets a Major Boost Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers

Former Bandari coach joins Harambee Stars as assistant to Benni McCarthy, boosting technical bench ahead of World Cup qualifiers.

Harambee Stars Technical Bench Gets a Major Boost Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers

Festus Chuma 20:30 - 11.04.2025

Former Kenya Police coach joins Harambee Stars as assistant to Benni McCarthy, boosting technical bench ahead of World Cup qualifiers.

Former Kenya Police FC head coach Anthony Kimani has been officially cleared by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to join the national team Harambee Stars.

The 35-year-old will be stepping into a pivotal role as Kenya continues its journey in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Though FKF had initially considered former Nairobi City Stars boss Nicholas Muyoti for the job, the federation has now settled on a different direction after internal consultations and technical evaluations.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News

A source within FKF, who spoke to Flashscore on condition of anonymity, revealed the decision was not taken lightly.

“Our initial intention was to go for Nicholas (Muyoti) but after another second thought and thorough search, we have settled for Anthony Kimani,” the source said as per Flashscore.

“He (Kimani) will be unveiled in the next one or two weeks but I am sure he will be on the bench when Harambee Stars play their next fixture as the deputy coach to Benni (McCarthy) and his technical staff.”

Kimani will link up with McCarthy's growing team that already includes former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Joseph Moeneeb as the goalkeeper trainer and Greek tactician Vasili Manousakis as assistant coach.

Since McCarthy’s appointment, he has presided over two World Cup qualifiers — a thrilling 3-3 draw against Gambia in Abidjan and a narrow 2-1 home defeat to Gabon, courtesy of a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang double.

Born and raised in Riruta, Nairobi, Kimani was drawn to football by his elder brother Francis Thairu.

His early career saw him rise from Dagoretti Santos to Kenyatta National Hospital FC before making his Kenyan Premier League debut with World Hope in 2008.

His playing journey included stints with Sofapaka, Nairobi City Stars, and Bandari. In 2010, while at Sofapaka, he earned a call-up to Harambee Stars by then-coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee and made his international debut against Tanzania.

He later featured in the 2010 and 2012 CECAFA tournaments, earning ten caps in total.

During his club career, Kimani clinched the midfielder of the year accolade in 2010 and again stood out in the 2013 GOtv Shield while at Sofapaka.

He also led Bandari to a Domestic Cup triumph before taking a brief break from football.

Kimani eventually returned to City Stars in 2019 and remained until retiring at the end of the 2022/23 season after a memorable farewell match against Gor Mahia.

On the touchline, Kimani has gained significant coaching experience with top-flight clubs such as AFC Leopards, Ulinzi Stars, Bandari, and most recently, Kenya Police FC.

Harambee Stars’ next fixture is scheduled for September 1st at Nyayo Stadium, where they will face Gambia’s Scorpions in a key Group F encounter.

Tags: