McCarthy clinches SJAK coach of the month award following CHAN 2024 run
Under his leadership, the Stars stunned eventual champions Morocco 1-0, edged past two-time winners DR Congo and Zambia with identical scorelines, and held Angola 1-1 to finish top of Group A with 10 points.
Harambee Stars boss Benni McCarthy has scooped the Sports Journalist Association of Kenya (SJAK) Coach of the Month award for August, making him the third foreign manager to clinch the honour this year.
McCarthy follows fellow South African Carlos Katywa of Kabras Sugar RFC, who won in April, and Burundi's Etienne Ndayiragije of Kenya Police FC, who was honoured in June.
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The Harambee Stars tactician saw off competition from Strathmore Leos 7s coach William Ojal, Malkia Strikers head coach Geoffrey Omondi, women's U20 volleyball coach Jackline Barasa and Nelson Jaika of St. Peter's Boys High, Mumias, to claim the monthly honour.
He earned the accolade after guiding Kenya to the quarterfinals on their debut at the recently concluded African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024.
Under his leadership, the Stars stunned eventual champions Morocco 1-0, edged past two-time winners DR Congo and Zambia with identical scorelines, and held Angola 1-1 to finish top of Group A with 10 points.
Their campaign, however, ended in heartbreak after a 1-1 quarterfinal draw against Madagascar, where Kenya lost 4-3 on penalties. It was the team's best run in a continental tournament since the 1987 All Africa Games final in Nairobi.
"When you top a group with Morocco, DR Congo, Angola, and Zambia, you count your blessings. Unfortunately, the game we thought we could win became a mission impossible. There is a lot of talent in this country. Hopefully, we will be able to nurture them and grow," said McCarthy after the Madagascar match.
SJAK President James Waindi has welcomed McCarthy's influence on the Harambee Stars squad, noting that while players often attract the headlines, it is coaches who provide the tactical edge and leadership that drive teams forward.
McCarthy, the only South African to have lifted the UEFA Champions League, winning with FC Porto in 2004, enjoyed a decorated playing career with Ajax, Blackburn Rovers, West Ham, Orlando Pirates and Celta Vigo.
He previously managed Cape Town City and AmaZulu in South Africa and was part of Manchester United's coaching staff before his Kenya appointment.
On the international stage, McCarthy debuted for Bafana Bafana in 1997 and finished joint top scorer at the 1998 Africa Cup of Nations with seven goals, earning the Player of the Tournament award.
He made a total of 80 appearances for South Africa and to date remains Bafana Bafana's all-time scorer with 31 goals.
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