PSL goalkeeper tips Bafana Bafana legend and former Manchester United first-team coach Benni McCarthy for Kenya national team coaching gig - 'He is a high-profile coach'

Richards Bay goalkeeper Ian Otieno has endorsed former Cape Town City and AmaZulu FC coach Benni McCarthy for the coaching position of the Kenya national team.

GOAL has exclusively reported that the Bafana Bafana legend is expected to assume the role of Harambee Stars coach soon after Engin Firat departed from the team.

So far, Kenya hasn’t revealed their new coach. Otieno, who has been performing well for the Natal Rich Boys, has expressed his support for McCarthy to assume control of the Kenyan national team.

"I have only read the news in the media. He is a high-profile coach and if this is true, it will be great news for the Kenyan national team," Otieno told KickOff.

"He has played football at the highest level in Europe. He has proven a good coach in South Africa. He has a lot of experience both as a player and coach. I believe he will make a good coach for the Harambe Stars.

"The standard of football in South Africa is high. All the games are tough. But so far I am adapting well and hope to do well in the PSL this season."

Kenya failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations set to occur in Morocco between December 2025 and January 2026 under Turkish coach, Fırat.

Even though it seems likely that he will become the coach of Kenya, McCarthy has not yet made any comments after being linked with the role.

Should the former Orlando Pirates striker take the helm of the Harambee Stars, he could bring a wealth of experience from having coached Manchester United and played in well-established leagues in Europe.

It is yet to be determined if McCarthy will be appointed as the new Kenya national team coach since the Kenya Football Federation, led by President Hussein Mohammed, has not provided any information about him.

Otieno, who has been putting in a strong effort at Richards Bay, will be aiming to assist the KwaZulu-Natal side in improving on their unsatisfactory start to the 2024-25 season.