Newly appointed Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has wasted no time in stamping his authority, unveiling an experienced backroom staff he believes will be crucial in revitalising Kenya’s football fortunes.

The 47-year-old South African, a UEFA Champions League winner with FC Porto and former Manchester United forwards coach, has assembled a high-calibre technical team, including assistant coach Vasili Manousakis, performance analyst Pilela Maposa alon with goalkeeping coach Moeneeb Josephs.

With a blend of tactical expertise and international experience, McCarthy’s team is set to usher in a new era for the national side.
Here, we take a look at the backroom staff.

First Assistant: Vasili Manousakis Manousakis, 52, was previously the assistant coach at Cape Town Spurs. The South African tactician also managed Richards Bay FC for a season, overseeing 29 matches and served as Amazulu FC’s assistant manager. He worked under McCarthy for 58 games at Cape Town City FC.

Joining Cape Town Spurs in October 2023, Manousakis played a pivotal role in their DStv Premiership (now Betway Premiership) campaign and their ongoing Motsepe Foundation Championship season.

A UEFA A-licensed coach, he began his career in the youth system of Ajax Cape Town.

Performance analyst: Pilela Maposa

Before his appointment with Harambee Stars, Maposa was a senior performance analyst for five years, serving as a first-team opposition analyst and scout. His résumé includes stints at Platinum Stars, Mpumalanga Black Aces, Free State Stars, and Amazulu FC.

His international experience spans providing opposition analysis for South Africa’s U23 national team and Banyana Banyana in Olympic qualifiers. He has also worked with clubs such as Al Gaish FC (Egypt) and Young Africans (Yanga) in Tanzania.

Maposa holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Studies from Cape Peninsula University of Technology and an undergraduate degree in Sports Studies from ETA College. Additionally, he is a GPS Certified Data Analyst (Level 1) from PlayerTek and holds a Level 1 Introduction to Sportscode certification. He also has a Caf D Coaching License from SAFA and a Level 1 Opposition Analysis qualification from the Professional Football Scouts Association (PFSA).

Goalkeeping coach: Moeneeb Josephs

Josephs, 44, is a former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper with 22 caps for the national team and seven appearances for South Africa’s U-20 side.

At the club level, he made 177 appearances for Bidvest Wits FC, 125 for Orlando Pirates FC, seven for Amazulu FC, and one for Ajax Cape Town FC.

He also featured in the Caf Champions League (two appearances for Bidvest Wits) and the Caf Confederation Cup (four appearances for the same club).

His domestic achievements include: Goalkeeper of the Season (1x), South African League Champion (3x), South African Cup Winner (1x), MTN 8 Cup Winner (2x)

Josephs also made 23 appearances in the MTN 8 Championship for Orlando Pirates and Bidvest Wits, 14 in the Carling Knockout tournament, and six in the Nedbank Cup.

McCarthy’s carefully selected backroom team is expected to bring their wealth of experience to transform Harambee Stars on the continental stage.