South African coach Sheryl Botes applauds Benni McCarthy for taking over Harambee Stars
Uganda Women U17 coach Sheryl Botes has praised her fellow South African, Benni McCarthy, for accepting the role of Harambee Stars head coach. Botes believes McCarthy's appointment is a step forward for South African coaches seeking opportunities beyond their borders.
Uganda Women U17 coach Sheryl Botes has applauded her compatriot Benni McCarthy for accepting the role of Harambee Stars head coach.
McCarthy was unveiled as Kenya's new head coach on March 3 and is currently preparing the national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against The Gambia on March 20 and Gabon on March 24.
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“I must commend Benni for coming to Kenya. He is a highly qualified and experienced coach. I think it is a great opportunity for a South African to be here,” said Botes, who took charge of the Uganda women’s national team in November 2023.
Botes also responded to remarks by South African football legend Doctor Khumalo, who praised McCarthy’s appointment as a move that elevates South African football. Khumalo, speaking on a South African football show, encouraged more South African coaches to seek opportunities abroad.
“Doctor Khumalo is correct. We have an abundance of good coaches in South Africa, but opportunities are limited back home. We now have to reach out to other African countries to showcase our abilities,” said Botes, a CAF coaching instructor.
Before taking charge of Uganda, Botes held various roles in South African football, including coaching the U20 women’s national team and serving at the South African Football Association (SAFA) Girls Soccer Academy at the High Performance Centre (HPC) in Pretoria. She also worked as Technical Advisor to former South Africa Women’s head coach Desiree Ellis.
A CAF A Licence holder, Botes is now focused on elevating Ugandan women’s football.
“I want Uganda to become one of the top countries in women’s football. To achieve that, I am emphasising tactical strategies and support programmes,” Botes said.
“By me working here and Benni coaching Kenya, it augurs well for South African football because it shows we are doing something right to empower our coaches. I never thought I’d end up in Uganda, but I’m loving it,” she added.
Botes made these remarks at the Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday afternoon during her team’s training session ahead of their crucial 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Kenya’s Junior Starlets on Sunday.
Uganda faces an uphill task after losing 2-0 in the first leg in Kampala last weekend.
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