Day: March 2, 2025

Kenya set to unveil Benni McCarthy as Harambee Stars coach
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kenya set to unveil Benni McCarthy as Harambee Stars coach

Benni McCarthy, the renowned South African footballer, is set to be unveiled as the head coach of Kenya’s national team, the Harambee Stars. His appointment is significant for both Kenyan football and the perception of South African coaches across Africa.

McCarthy will be the first South African to coach a non-COSAFA national team, signalling a change in the perception of South African coaches internationally. With a playing background at Ajax, FC Porto, and Manchester United, he is also the only South African to win the UEFA Champions League. His experience at Manchester United heightens expectations for his new role.

Moeneeb Josephs, his former Orlando Pirates teammate, will join him as the goalkeeping coach. The FKF chose McCarthy over other candidates, including Claude Makélélé, during a time when they faced financial and legal challenges.

McCarthy faces high expectations as he takes over a struggling team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying group. He needs to improve quickly against tough opponents like Gabon and The Gambia later this month.

His long-term goal is to prepare the Harambee Stars for AFCON 2027. If he succeeds, he could change how South African coaches are perceived internationally. Mihlali Baleka remarked, “McCarthy has shown he’s not afraid of challenges and will work hard to succeed,” reflecting hopes for the revival of Kenyan football.

This appointment also inspires future South African coaches. If McCarthy achieves success, it may encourage more local coaches to pursue opportunities abroad, breaking down barriers.

Overall, McCarthy’s role as coach of the Harambee Stars could open doors for more opportunities in African football, and it is vital to recognize the lasting impact of such moments.

England to face Senegal in a friendly at the Forest Ground
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

England to face Senegal in June friendly at the Forest Ground

The England men’s senior team will play two matches later this year to finish their 2025 schedule, which mainly focuses on qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

England will take on one of Africa’s giants, Senegal, at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground on Tuesday, June 10. The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:45 PM BST.

This game is part of England’s preparations for Euro 2024 and provides Senegal with a valuable opportunity to challenge themselves against top-tier competition.

Thomas Tuchel, who wants to lead the team to the World Cup next summer in Canada, Mexico, and the USA, said, “The matches against Senegal and Wales will be good tests for us against two very different teams. Playing a strong African team in a city with a great football tradition and then facing Wales in a derby match at Wembley will help us prepare for the World Cup.”

He added, “Wembley is our home, but it’s also important to bring the team to different places. Playing at a historic stadium like the City Ground is an opportunity we all look forward to.”

Bukayo Saka scored a goal against Senegal during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. England’s only previous match against Senegal was in the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup, where they won 3-0 thanks to goals from Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane, and Bukayo Saka.

The City Ground last hosted the England men’s senior team for a competitive match in March 1909, when they won 2-0 against Wales in the Home Championship.

Ex-Senegal head coach Aliou Cissé set for Libya national coaching job
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ex-Senegal boss Aliou Cissé set for Libya national coaching job

Ex-Senegal head coach Aliou Cissé is set to return to coaching since leaving the Lions of Teranga. He has agreed to take over the Libyan national team, known as the Mediterranean Knights.

A formal declaration is anticipated in the next few days, affirming Cissé’s selection as head coach in readiness for Libya’s efforts in the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Cissé will sign a two-year contract with the Libyan Football Federation, with an option for one more year if the team qualifies for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). He is expected to arrive in Libya on March 5 to finalize the agreement.

His main goal will be to help Libya qualify for the 2026 World Cup and the 2027 AFCON. Currently, Libya is in second place in Group D with 7 points, tied with Cape Verde and just one point behind the group leader, Cameroon.