Benni McCarthy Cites Work Permit Problems as Reason He Leaves Kenya After Harambee Stars Camps

• Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy revealed he and his backroom staff have not received work permits despite serving the national team for an extended period
• McCarthy raised concerns about unpaid player allowances, saying some players had gone through four to five camps without receiving promised payments
• The 48-year-old called on the Ministry, the President, and FKF to intervene before the situation worsens

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has gone public with two significant grievances about his working conditions in Kenya, revealing that unresolved work permit issues are forcing him to leave the country after every national team camp, while also sounding the alarm over unpaid player allowances.

Speaking in an interview with DollarTV on Wednesday 23 September 2026, the 48-year-old South African coach confirmed that neither he nor members of his technical staff have obtained the legal documentation required to work in Kenya, despite having served the national team for a considerable period.

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McCarthy's Work Permit Dispute

McCarthy explained that the absence of proper permits leaves him vulnerable to scrutiny from authorities, which is why he chooses not to remain in Kenya beyond his official duties with Harambee Stars.

"I don't want to be questioned by authorities on why I am in another country illegally," he said.

The coach noted that the Football Kenya Federation had already prepared and submitted the required documents, suggesting the process had stalled further up the chain. He maintained that securing work permits for foreign staff is a basic employer obligation.

Player Allowances Left Unpaid

Beyond his personal legal concerns, McCarthy raised a separate issue affecting the players themselves. He disclosed that some Harambee Stars squad members had attended between four and five camps without receiving the allowances they were promised, a situation he said was beginning to erode morale.

"For four to five camps, not receiving a cent of what was promised, of course, as a human being you will be like, is it worth it? Is it okay for the national team?" he said.

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McCarthy acknowledged that while footballers are motivated by passion for the game, professional football is also their primary source of income.

The latest comments add to a pattern of public dissatisfaction from the coach. In March 2026, McCarthy admitted the Kenya job was "holding him back" and indicated he intended to return to club management after his contract expires following the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Source: Briefly News