Kenya boss Benni McCarthy comments on vacant role at PSL giants Kaizer Chiefs

In a statement released on their official website, Amakhosi confirmed the departure of coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze after their two-year contracts with the club ended.

Ben Youssef joined Chiefs at the beginning of the 2024-25 season, and Kaze arrived in October 2024. Both initially served as assistants to former coach Nasreddine Nabi, who officially left the club in October 2025.

The statement partly read: “After Nabi’s departure, the pair took charge of the senior team and guided the side to an improved 54 points in the league, the club’s second-best tally in the past eleven years.

“They also narrowly missed out on the knockout stage of the CAF Confederation Cup on goal difference, finishing Group D with 10 points.”

During the 2025-26 campaign, they led Chiefs in 39 matches across the Betway Premiership, CAF Confederation Cup, Carling Knockout Cup and Nedbank Cup. The team achieved 19 wins, 11 draws and 9 losses.

Kaizer Chiefs’ statement concluded: “We would like to express our gratitude to the coaches for their dedication and contribution, and wish them all the best in their future endeavours.

“More announcements will follow over the next few weeks as we build up to the start of the new season.”

Following the statement, McCarthy, who is currently with Harambee Stars, was linked to the job alongside Pitso Mosimane and Manqoba Mngqithi.

‘My duty is Kenya at the moment’

However, the South African legend has once again played down the reports, stating he is committed to his role in Kenya.

“For me, my duty is Kenya at the moment because that is where I have a contract, that is the team I coach,” said McCarthy as quoted by KICK OFF Magazine.

“And for Chiefs, they have their own problems, and once they find solutions to solve those problems, they will.”

McCarthy, who previously served as head coach of South African Premier Division sides Cape Town City and AmaZulu, and as strikers’ coach at Premier League club Manchester United, further urged Chiefs to find their own path and make the right decision.

“Their management is a big establishment. So I am sure they will find ways to make things right for the fans, to make things right for the football club and everyone involved with Kaizer Chiefs,” added McCarthy.

“As long as it does not concern me, it has nothing to do with me. I am like a fan from the outside. But yes, if it comes to my doorstep, then I will have to deal with it. But for now, it is nothing to do with me.”

Kenya will not lose 8-0

Ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, McCarthy has promised Kenya will not lose 8-0 against Bafana Bafana. Harambee Stars have been drawn in Group D of the AFCON qualifiers alongside South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea.

“We will do our best – we are most definitely targeting getting out of the group stages. And if we face Bafana Bafana, it will be tough, it will be really hard because for me, my heart is with Bafana,” said McCarthy.

“But of course, as a coach, you want to do the job for the country that you work for. So yes, I want to do well, but I know it will be almost impossible for us.”

McCarthy added: “This is because the standard in South Africa is much higher than in Kenya. But as I said, sometimes it is not about how high your standards are.

“It will be about willpower and how good and organised your teams are. And I think my team is pretty organised, and they will give everything. We definitely will not lose 8-0 like we did against Senegal.”

Harambee Stars suffered a historic and humiliating 8-0 defeat to Senegal in an international friendly match on November 18th, 2025.

Kenya, as one of the co-host nations of the tournament, have already secured automatic qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Despite the automatic qualification, Harambee Stars will still take part in the qualification campaign alongside the other nations in Group D.

A total of 48 nations will compete in the qualifiers, with 24 teams set to feature at the final tournament. Among the teams in the group, South Africa are the highest-ranked side at position 60, while Guinea are ranked 80th.

Kenya are currently ranked 111th, with Eritrea placed 184th.