Benni McCarthy explains why he snubbed MLS clubs for Kenya national team job - 'There was a lot of respect from the federation'

Benni McCarthy was officially unveiled on Monday as coach of the Kenya national team.

The Bafana Bafana great is joined in his backroom staff by assistant coach Vasili Manousakis, goalkeeper coach Moeneeb Josephs and performance analyst Pilela Maposa.

After leaving Manchester United, where he was a forwards coach for two seasons, McCarthy reveals he was being courted by Major League Soccer clubs but opted for Kenya.

“I won’t say demand, but I did have a few job interviews, mostly with MLS clubs,” McCarthy told FKF TV.

“I think it’s [Kenya] a sleeping giant in my eyes. I looked at the project and they are a country that has a lot of potential.

“They have some really good talented players who play abroad in Europe, all over. So, if you have the right mindset and mentality, you can do something special with the team.

“But also, when I spoke to the federation’s deputy president [McDonald] Mariga, my agent and they told me they (FKF) are very interested," added the former FC Porto star.

“You know it’s always nice to know that in your life, you are going out to convince people why you are a good coach, you are the right man for the job.

“With Kenya, there was a lot of respect from the federation, their president Hussein [Mohammed] and deputy president," he continued.

“Their conversations with me were that there was a lot of respect and admiration for me and they think my mentality and mindset, my story coming from Africa, moving to Europe at such a young age to survive and flourish under difficult circumstances is a story Kenyans can take from and take it one notch further.”

This is McCarthy's first national team job, having been working with clubs in his coaching career.

He takes over a national side that often struggles to qualify for major tournaments.

However, that presents him with a chance to turn them into fierce competitors on the continent.

Only a few weeks are left before Kenya face Gambia away and Gabon at home in 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers, giving McCarthy something to immediately focus on.

The Harambee Stars are fourth in Group F after four rounds of matches with five points fewer than log leaders Ivory Coast.