Benni McCarthy Scoops Coach of the Month Award in Kenya
- Benni McCarthy recognised for outstanding coaching after guiding an East African national team through a recent continental tournament
- Historic tournament progress achieved under the former Bafana Bafana star, marking a first in decades for the team
- Online reactions spark debate as fans and commentators question the merit of the award, creating a mix of praise and scepticism
Kenyan head coach Benni McCarthy has earned an individual accolade following an impressive run with the Harambee Stars during the recently concluded 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Source: Instagram
The Bafana Bafana legend, who was appointed head coach of the East African nation earlier this year, guided his team to a historic quarter-final in the tournament. However, Kenya was eliminated in a heartbreaking penalty shootout by Madagascar.
Despite the disappointing exit, McCarthy won the hearts of football fans across Kenya, including the country’s President William Ruto. In August, he was recognised with the Coach of the Month award for his efforts with the national team.
As seen in the tweet below:
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He was named Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) Coach of the Month for August, having led Kenya to a knockout stage in a major tournament for the first time since 1987.
McCarthy also became the third foreign coach to win the award, following Carlos Katywa, head coach of Kabras Sugar RFC in April, and Burundi’s Etienne Ndayiragije, head coach of Kenya Police FC in June 2025.
The former AmaZulu and Cape Town City coach received a personalised trophy and R13,600 in prize money.
Looking ahead, McCarthy will now focus on the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, even though Kenya’s chances remain slim given their current group position.
Source: Instagram
How did South Africans react to McCarthy's latest win?
Reactions from South Africans online were mixed.
@The_jigggiest:
"Future Mzanzi coach. Flopo okare ke likes to park the bus."
@Magayye:
"What goes on there?"
@VuyoSithebe:
"Coach of the month njani when he's a national team head coach?? I'm lost. 🤔"
@xolanhlabatsi:
"High school trophy 😂🏆"
@Adv_Dlela:
"Who were his challengers? 🤔"
@Aaroncourage:
"Va ka Hina"
@manv_sk:
"Congratulations to Benni 👏👏👏"
@Jomopelela:
"He doesn't look happy at all."
@Japhet2_:
"Kenyans explain please, who was Benny competing with for him to be coach of the month there?"
Take a look at the video below:
Meanwhile, McCarthy has confirmed that Bristol City defender Zak Vyner is set to join the national team in the near future.
However, the player has requested to sit out the upcoming fixtures, citing the early stage of the season in England as a reason.
Bafana Bafana striker Lyle Foster scores against Manchester United
Briefly News previously reported that Bafana Bafana striker Lyle Foster, recently named by coach Hugo Broos in the squad for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria, made history on Saturday afternoon, 30 August, in the English Premier League.
The former Orlando Pirates forward scored Burnley’s equaliser against Manchester United after his side had fallen behind early.
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Source: Briefly News
