Why Harambee Stars Coach Benni McCarthy Is Yet To Indulge In Kenyan Delicacies

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy. Photo/FKF Media

Why Harambee Stars Coach Benni McCarthy Is Yet To Indulge In Kenyan Delicacies

Stephen Awino 07:00 - 11.04.2025

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has revealed why he is yet to partake in Kenyan cuisines since his historic appointment.

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has revealed the heartwarming yet humorous reason he is yet to try Kenyan cuisines.

The South African tactician touched down in Kenya in February and has toured parts of Nairobi, especially while attending local league games for scouting, such as during his first appearance at the Gor Mahia vs Kariobangi Sharks match on March 5.

McCarthy, however, is yet to indulge in Kenyan cuisines, and his reason is heartwarming yet hilarious.

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Why McCarthy Is Yet To Try Kenyan Foods

Benni McCarthy and part of his backroom staff Moeneeb Josephs.

In an interview with NTV, McCarthy revealed that he had joined his goalkeeper coach Moeneeb Josephs during his fasting period.

Josephs, who is a Muslim, joined those of the faith in the holy month of Ramadan, and in a show of solidarity, McCarthy joined him.

"We have been disciplined because it has been Ramadan. My goalkeeper coach, he is Muslim, so he has been fasting," said McCarthy.

The tactician admitted that the move was a miscalculation on his part as he regretted the entire ordeal.

However, he noted that it was good for team bonding as the team continues to gel together.

"The worst thing in my life that I did, because there is no 'I' in team, so we were a team, I joined him in that month of fasting," he said.

"I was like, why did I agree to that? But it was good because it was team bonding."

With Ramadan now over, McCarthy has vowed to start his journey of experimenting with local delicacies, pointing out that he has already tried a couple of restaurants.

"So we did that together, so I was fasting and did not indulge in Kenyan food, but now that it's finished, slowly but surely we are starting to go to more restaurants," he noted.

McCarthy's initiative to interact with the Kenyan culture will be met with enthusiasm from Kenyans, who have so far liked what they have seen from the tactician.

While he is yet to secure his first win as Harambee Stars boss, McCarthy oversaw a thrilling 3-3 comeback against Gambia during the March international break in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers before suffering a narrow 2-1 loss to Gabon on home soil.

McCarthy will hope to build momentum with the remainder of the Qualifiers fixtures as the country gears up for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).