Showing posts with label Benni McCarthy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Benni McCarthy. Show all posts

Thursday, 5 February 2026

VICTOR WANYAMA EXPLAINS HOW BENNI MCCARTHY CAN LEAD HARAMBEE STARS TO AFCON 2027 GLORY

Victor Wanyama feels Harambee Stars can surprise at AFCON 2027.


Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama is backing Kenya to surprise at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations due to a number of factors.

Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama has shared what gives him confidence of a successful 2027 Africa Cup of Nations for Kenya.

Kenya will be one of the co-hosts for AFCON 2027 alongside neighbours Kenya and Uganda and there is pressure to impress on home soil.

However, history suggests it might be a struggle to get out of their group given they have never gone past that level at all their previous six AFCON appearances.

Wanyama, however, feels Kenya do have enough quality and can spring a surprise when heavily motivated and pushed on by fans as seen during the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN 2024).

What is Wanyama Banking on For AFCON Success?

“We hosted CHAN, and nobody expected the local players to perform the way they did. That showed that with fans behind them at home, anything is possible,” Wanyama said on the Obi One Podcast.

“I believe in the boys; they have quality, and with proper training and preparation, they can beat any team on home soil.

The former Southampton and Tottenham midfielder is calling on early and proper preparation for the national team ahead of the continental tournament if Kenya have to post positive results.

“With good preparation and the same spirit they showed during CHAN, coupled with the support they received then, we have the potential to be the best,” he further said.

CHAN Experience Will Be Vital For Kenya

“We need to invest in infrastructure, give young players opportunities, focus on grassroots football, establish strong and well-structured youth leagues, and support academies. That is how we can develop many quality players.”

Kenya had an impressive run at CHAN 2024, when they finished top of a group that had Morocco, eventual winners of the competition, DR Congo, Angola and Zambia, making it to the quarter-final where they lost to Madagascar on post-match penalties.

Identical 1-0 wins against DR Congo, Morocco and Zambia, coupled with a 1-1 draw with Angola saw Benni McCarthy’s team finish top of a ‘Group of Death’ that few gave them a chance of getting out of.

- Joel Omotto 

Saturday, 22 March 2025

BENNI MCCARTHY TEATS TO KENYA'S SIX-GOAL THRILLER AGAINST GAMBIA AS BAFANA BAFANA LEGEND AVOUDS DEFEAT ON INTERNATIONAL COACHING DEBUT - 'VERY STRESSFUL. NOT HAPPY '

FKF


The former Cape Town City trainer began his journey as a national team coach on Thursday.


Harambee Stars during a training session


WHAT HAPPENED?

Kenya came back from behind to force a 3-3 draw with Gambia in a 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier Group F match at Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara on Thursday.

It was Benni McCarthy's first match as Kenya coach and his debut leading a national side.


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WHAT MCCARTHY SAID

“Very stressful, not happy, but listen for the neutral it was very entertaining, lots of goals, that you don’t usually see in a game of football in World Cup qualifiers, but I think the two teams eliminated each other in the opening half,” McCarthy said as per iDiksi Times.

“We had brilliant opportunities with our captain Michael, one of the easiest he would get, he doesn’t take it with the header then straight after that, Gambia got into the game with some good momentum and were awarded a penalty. 

“Then we thought okay 1-0 up, they controlled the game a bit better – I think at the break it was a fair reflection of the game… second half was really bizarre, crazy, not sure if it was the altitude, heat or something got to us," added the former AmaZulu coach. 

“We made two errors in defence and if you grant Gambia that chance, with the players they have, they usually accurate in front of goal, and it 2-0 up many think it’s over, so I changed things around with some fresher legs, because most players only arrived on Tuesday from Europe with one day of training together.

“We got given a penalty, I’m not sure to say it’s soft but if it was given to them I would have been furious, so I can imagine how their coach feels – happy to receive it, captain steps up and scores, gave us hope and made us really start [playing], we looked like we’d score next and then a fantastic individual effort from Muhamed [Bajaber], a young player I’ve given an opportunity from out of nowhere," he continued.

“He took the goal exceptionally well – we thought there was momentum to control the game but then another rookie mistake – but like I said, one training session with the team, the organisation and communication isn’t there yet. 

“They got the 3-2 with six, seven minutes to go with a counter, where we should have scored, so I think it was a brilliant effort of the team [to draw]. Fortunately, the boys had a lot of fight, character and personality to fight until the end.

“Overall, a draw doesn’t help either team but I will take it as my first game in charge, happy with the point after a few days as coach of Kenya national team," the ex-FC Porto star went on.

“The positivity I see gives me a bit of hope that after another day or two, trainings we can squeeze in before the game against Gabon, gives me hope we can go one step better than today.”


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THE BIGGER PICTURE

After earning themselves a point, it did not count much for Kenya who remain fourth in Group F in these qualifiers.

They have six points fewer than log leaders Gabon.

That leaves McCarthy with a tall order to guide the Harambee Stars to World Cup qualification.

WHAT NEXT FOR KENYA?

Kenya look to pick their second win of Group F when they host Gabon in Nairobi on Sunday.

It would be McCarthy's second match in charge of the Harambee Stars and playing at home gives him pressure to win.

 - Michael Madyira

 

Tuesday, 4 March 2025

SOUTH AFRICAN SOCCER STAR BENNI MCCARTHY IS THE NEW HARAMBE STARS HEAD COACH


 

Former Manchester United attack coach Benni McCarthy has been named the new head coach of Kenya's national men's football team, the Harambee Stars. The 47-year-old has signed a contract until 2027, with his role commencing immediately.

He will be supported by a seasoned technical team, including Vasili Manousakis as Assistant Coach, Moeneeb Josephs as Goalkeepers Coach, and Pilela Maposa as Performance Analyst. His first challenge with Kenya will be to face Gambia and then host Gabon this month in the next round of qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

McCarthy enjoyed a stellar career with top clubs such as Porto, where he won the UEFA Champions League in 2003, as well as Ajax Amsterdam, Celta Vigo, Blackburn Rovers, and West Ham United. This appointment marks his debut as a national team manager.

 - allAfrica 

Saturday, 14 September 2024

TOP 22 RICHEST AFRICAN FOOTBALLERS AND THEIR NET WORTH REVEALED

Richest African footballers and their net worth

Check out the list of the wealthiest footballers in Africa. Some of them are still playing the sport, while others are retired.


22. Kenneth Omeruo - $3 million


Kenneth Omeruo of CD Leganes runs with the ball during the LaLiga Smartbank match between CD Leganes and Fuenlabrada at Estadio Municipal de Butarque in Leganes, Spain. Photo: Diego Souto
Source: Getty Images

  • Full name: Kenneth Josiah Omeruo
  • Date of birth: 17 October 1993
  • Age: 30 years (as of April 2024)
  • Place of birth: Abia State, Nigeria


Kenneth Omeruo plays for the Nigeria national team and Kasımpaşa. Omeruo left Standard Liège to join Chelsea in January 2012, and he later signed a loan deal with ADO Den Haag of the Dutch top division. Kenneth Omeruo’s net worth is $3 million.


21. Wilfried Zaha - $4 million


Wilfried Zaha celebrates after scoring the second goal of his team during the Turkish Super League match between Galatasaray and Kasimpasa SK at Rams Park Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey. Photo: Seskim
Source: Getty Images

  • Full name: Dazet Wilfried Armel Zaha
  • Date of birth: 10 November 1992
  • Age: 31 years (as of April 2024)
  • Place of birth: Abidjan, Ivory Coast


Wilfried Zaha plays as left winger for Galatasaray and the Ivory Coast national team. He signed a three-year contract with Galatasaray for a fee of €2.35m and an annual salary of €4.35m. Wilfried Zaha’s net worth is $4 million.


20. Sulley Muntari - $5 Million


Sulley Muntari of Albacete Balompie looks on prior to the La Liga 123 match between Albacete Balompie and UD Las Palmas at Carlos Belmonte Stadium in Albacete, Spain. Photo: Quality Sport Images

Source: Getty Images


  • Full name: Suleyman Ali Muntar
  • Date of birth: 27 August 1984
  • Age: 39 years (as of April 2024)
  • Place of birth: Konongo, Ashanti, Ghana


Sulley Muntari played as a midfielder for such as Udinese, Inter Milan, and AC Milan. In Ghana in 2008, at the African Cup of Nations Tournament, he was chosen as an All-Star Player. Sulley Muntari’s net worth is $5 Million.


19. Kwadwo Asamoah - $6 million


Kwadwo Asamoah of FC Internazionale gestures during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Udinese at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milan, Italy. Photo: Claudio Villa
Source: Getty Images

  • Full name: Kwadwo Asamoah
  • Date of birth: 9 December 1988
  • Age: 35 years (as of April 2024)
  • Place of birth: Accra, Ghana


Kwadwo Asamoah was a midfielder or defender for Cagliari Calcio. He was awarded CAF Most Promising African Player in 2010 and Ghana Player of the Year in 2012 and 2013. He played for clubs such as Udinese, Inter Milan and Juventus. Kwadwo Asamoah’s net worth is $6 million.


18. Christopher Samba - $7 million


Chris Samba of Aston Villa in action during a training session at the club's training ground at Bodymoor Heath in Birmingham, England. Photo: Neville Williams
Source: Getty Images


  • Full name: Veijeany Christopher Samba
  • Date of birth: 28 March 1984
  • Age: 40 years (as of April 2024)
  • Place of birth: Créteil, France


Christopher Samba played as a defender for the Congo national team and Aston Villa. Samba played for various football clubs, including Hertha BSC, Blackburn Rovers, and Dynamo Moscow. Christopher Samba's net worth is $7 million.


17. Nwankwo Kanu - $9 million


Nwankwo Kanu of Nigeria runs with the ball during the FIFA World Cup South Africa Group B match at Durban Stadium in Durban, South Africa. Photo: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
Source: Getty Images


  • Full name: Nwankwo Kanu
  • Date of birth: 1 August 1976
  • Age: 47 years (as of April 2024)
  • Place of birth: Owerri, Nigeria


Nwankwo Kanu started his career in 1992 for Iwuanyanwu Nationale. He started playing for his home country's national team in 1993. The same year, he was signed by the Dutch team Eredivisie AFC Ajax. He played for Arsenal from 1999 to 2004 and West Bromwich Albion from 2004 to 2006. He finished his career in 2012 at Portsmouth. Nwankwo Kanu's net worth is $9 million.


16. Kolo Abib Touré - $10.5 million


Kolo Toure looks on during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round Replay match at DW Stadium in Wigan, England. Photo: Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Source: Getty Images


Full name: Kolo Abib Touré

Date of birth: 19 March 1981

Age: 43 years (as of April 2024)

Place of birth: Bouake, Côte d’Ivoire


Kolo Abib Touré is one of the richest African footballers. Kolo Abib Touré's net worth of $10.5 million is quite impressive. The former athlete played as a defender for Manchester City, Arsenal, Celtic, Liverpool, and the Ivory Coast national team.

In early 2002, he joined the Premier League team Arsenal. He played for Arsenal until 2009, when he joined Manchester City. He joined Liverpool in May 2013. He retired in September 2017 and is now a Celtic coach.


15. Salomon Kalou - $11 million


Salomon Kalou of Chelsea celebrates scoring the first goal during the Carling Cup 4th Round match between Chelsea and Bolton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge in London, England. Photo: Phil Cole
Source: Getty Images


  • Full name: Salomon Armand Magloire Kalou
  • Date of birth: 5 August 1985
  • Age: 38 years (as of April 2024)
  • Place of birth: Oumé, Ivory Coast


Salomon Kalou played as a forward and winger for Djiboutian club Arta/Solar7. He previously played for Chelsea, Feyenoord, Lille, Hertha Berlin, and Batafogo. Salomon Kalou's net worth is $11 million.


14. Jay-Jay Okocha - $15 million


Jay-Jay Okocha of Nigeria during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final Draw at Doha Exhibition Center in Doha, Qatar. Photo: Marcio Machado

Source: Getty Images

Full name: Augustine Azuka Okocha
Date of birth: 14 August 1973
Age: 50 years (as of April 2024)
Place of birth: Enugu, Nigeria

Jay-Jay Okocha was an attacking midfielder for teams such as Eintracht Frankfurt, Fenerbahce, Paris Saint-Germain, Bolton Wanderers, Qatar SC, and Hull SC. In 2003 and 2004, he was named BBC African Footballer of the Year. Jay-Jay Okocha’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $15 million.


13. Benni McCarthy - $16 million

Benni McCarthy reacts at the end of the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford in Manchester, England. Photo: Ash Donelon
Source: Getty Images


  • Full name: Benedict Saul McCarthy
  • Date of birth: 12 November 1977
  • Age: 46 years (as of April 2024)
  • Place of birth: Cape Town, South Africa


Benni McCarthy is a first-time coach at Manchester United. Benni previously played as a forward for various teams such as West Ham United, Ajax, Porto, Celta Vigo and Blackburn Rovers. He holds a record among the South African national team for being the all-time leading goal scorer with 32 goals. Benni McCarthy’s net worth is $16 million.


12. Sadio Mané - $25 million

Sadio Mané Sadio Mane during the Saudi Pro League match at Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Sport City in Abha, Saudi Arabia.Photo: Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images
Source: Getty Images


  • Full name: Sadio Man
  • Date of birth: 10 April 1992
  • Age: 32 years (as of April 2024)
  • Place of birth: Bambali, Senegal

Sadio Mané plays for the Senegal national team and Al Nassr. Before joining Al Nassr, he was signed with Liverpool, Red Bull Salzburg, Ligue 2 club Metz, and Southampton. Sadio Mané's net worth as of 2024 is $25 million, making him among one of the top 20 richest African footballers.


11. Victor Moses - $27 million

Moses of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge in London, England. Photo: Darren Walsh
Source: Getty Images

  • Full name: Victor Moses
  • Date of birth: 12 December 1990
  • Age: 33 years (as of April 2024)
  • Place of birth: Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria

Victor Moses plays as a wing-back for the Russian club Spartak Moscow. Victor has played for clubs such as West Ham, Inter Milan, Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Stroke City, and Liverpool. In July 2021, he signed a two-year club contract with Spartak Moscow, but in February, he extended his contract to 2024. Victor Moses' net worth is $27 million.


10. Thomas Partey - $28 million

Thomas Partey during a training session at Sobha Realty Training Centre in London Colney, England. Photo: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC
Source: Getty Images


  • Full name: Thomas Teye Partey
  • Date of birth: 13 June 1993
  • Age: 30 years (as of April 2024)
  • Place of birth: Odumase Krobo, Ghana


Thomas Teye Partey plays as a defensive midfielder for Premier League club Arsenal and the Ghana national team. He started his youth career at the Atlético Madrid B team where he played from the 2013-15 season and eventually got promoted to the first team. Thomas Partey's net worth is $28 million.


9. Odion Ighalo - $28 million

Odion Ighalo talks during the Press Conference prior a match in Tangier, Morocco. Photo: Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images
Source: Getty Images


  • Full name: Odion Jude Ighalo
  • Date of birth: 16 June 1989
  • Age: 34 years (as of April 2024)
  • Place of birth: Lagos, Nigeria


Odion Jude Ighalo plays as a forward for the Saudi Pro League club Al-Wehda and the Nigeria national team. After starting his career at Nigerian clubs Prime and Julius Berger, he moved to Norwegian club Lyn in 2007. Odion Ighalo's net worth is $28 million.


8. Asamoah Gyan - $30 Million

Asamoah Gyan of Ghana celebrates scoring a goal during the FIFA World Cup South Africa Round of Sixteen match at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa. Photo: Paul Gilham
Source: Getty Images


  • Full name: Asamoah Gyan
  • Date of birth: 22 November 1985
  • Age: 38 years (as of April 2024)
  • Place of birth: Accra, Ghana


Asamoah Gyan is a footballer who played as a striker for Legon Cities FC and Ghana national team. He represented Ghana at the FIFA World Cup in 2006,2010 and 2014. He is the highest African to have scored more goals at the World Cup. Asamoah Gyan’s net worth is $30 Million.


7. Michael Essien - $35 million

Michael Essien arrives ahead of The Best FIFA Football Awards at Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Italy. Photo: Simon Hofmann - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Source: Getty Images


  • Full name: Michael Kojo Essien
  • Date of birth: 3 December 1982
  • Age: 41 years (as of April 2024)
  • Place of birth: Accra, Ghana


Michael Essien, a former professional footballer, is among the top 20 richest footballers in Africa. The Ghanaian athlete was a midfielder and is currently a member of the coaching staff of the Danish Superliga club, Nordsjælland.

Michael started his career at a local club in Ghana after graduating from St. Augustine College. In 2005, the France National Union Professional Footballers voted him the Player of the Year. Today, Michael Essien's net worth is $35 million.


6. Sheyi Emmanuel Adebayor - $45 million

Sheyi Emmanuel Adebayor during the Turkish Spor Toto Super Lig match at the Recep Fatih Terim Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey. Photo: VI Images
Source: Getty Images


  • Full name: Sheyi Emmanuel Adebayor
  • Date of birth: 26 February 1984
  • Age: 40 years (as of April 2024)
  • Place of birth: Lomé, Togo


Emmanuel Adebayor is a famous Togolese athlete. He started his career in his home country and is among the top 10 richest African players of all time. From 2003 to 2006, he played for Monaco. In 2006 he signed with Arsenal, and in 2009, he signed with Manchester City. In 2012, he signed Tottenham Hotspur. Emmanuel Adebayor's net worth is $45 million.


5. John Obi Mikel - $45 million

Mikel John Obi arrives on the Green Carpet ahead of The Best FIFA Football Awards at The Apollo Theatre in London, England. Photo: Kate Green/Getty Images
Source: Getty Images


  • Full name: Mikel John Obi
  • Date of birth: 22 April 1987
  • Age: 37 years (as of April 2024)
  • Place of birth: Jos, Nigeria


John Obi-Mikel is a former professional footballer who played as a defensive midfielder. He played for Chelsea and the Nigerian national team. He is among the top 50 richest African footballers of all time.

The athlete started his career at Pepsi Football Academy at 12. Later, he played for Nigeria at the FIFA Under-17 World Championships. He signed with Chelsea in 2005. He was Chelsea's Young Player of the Year in 2007 and 2008. John Obi-Mikel's net worth is $45 million as of 2024.


4. Yaya Touré Gnégnéri - $70 million


Yaya Toure arrives prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar Final Draw at the Doha Exhibition Centre in Doha, Qatar. Photo: Igor Kralj/Pixsell/MB Media/Getty Images
Source: Getty Images


  • Full name: Gnégnéri Yaya Touré
  • Date of birth: 13 May 1983
  • Age: 40 years (as of April 2024)
  • Place of birth: Bouake, Côte d’Ivoire


Touré Gnégnéri is among the top 20 richest footballers in Africa in 2024. He started playing football with the ASEC Mimosas Youth Academy team in Cote d'Ivoire. He then relocated to Europe, where he played for Beveren in Belgium.

Later, he signed with AS Monaco before joining Barcelona. In 2010, he joined Manchester City. Today, he is an assistant coach for the Saudi Arabia national team. Yaya Touré's net worth is $70 million.


3. Mohamed Salah - $90 million


Mohamed Salah during the UEFA Europa League Group E match between Liverpool FC and R. Union Saint-Gilloise at Anfield in Liverpool, England. Photo: Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Source: Getty Images



  • Full name: Mohamed Salah Hamed Mahrous Ghaly
  • Date of birth: 15 June 1992
  • Age: 31 years (as of April 2024)
  • Place of birth: Nagrig, Egypt


Mohamed Salah, alias the Egyptian King or The Pharaoh, is among the top 10 richest footballers in Africa in 2024. He is one of the best strikers in the world. Mohamed Salah's net worth is an impressive $90 million. The Egyptian King is a key player in the Italian and English leagues. He currently plays as a forward for Liverpool and captains the Egypt national team.


2. Didier Yves Drogba Tébily - $90 million

Didier Yves Drogba poses for photos during the Green Carpet Arrivals prior The Best FIFA Football Awards in Paris. Photo: Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images
Source: Getty Images


  • Full name: Didier Yves Drogba Tébily
  • Date of birth: 11 March 1978
  • Age: 46 years (as of April 2024
  • Place of birth: Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire


Didier Yves Drogba ranks high on the list of the top 10 richest African footballers in 2024. He earned a salary of $15 million per year at his peak. Today, Didier Drogba's net worth is $90 million. The retired athlete was known for his striking ability and tendency to score goals during big matches. He is a former captain of the Ivory Coast national team.


1. Samuel Eto'o - $95 million

Samuel Eto'o comments for Amazon Prime following the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg match at San Siro in Milan, Italy. Photo: Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images
Source: Getty Images


Full name: Samuel Eto'o Fils
Date of birth: 10 March 1981
Age: 43 years (as of April 2024)
Place of birth: Douala, Cameroon

Samuel Eto'o Fils is the richest African footballer of all time. The former Cameroonian footballer was one of the highest-paid footballers globally, earning an annual salary of $26 million. Samuel Eto'o's net worth is $95 million. He is regarded as one of the best strikers of all time. In 2004, he joined Barcelona for a transfer fee of 24 million Euros.

- Nomso Obiajuru

Friday, 12 July 2024

MAN UNITED, BOLOGNA AGREE DEAL FOR JOSHUA ZIRKEE - SOURCE


 Manchester United have agreed a fee with Bologna for striker Joshua Zirkzee, a source has told ESPN.

United have reached a deal worth more than the €40 million ($43m) release clause written into Zirkzee's contract to allow the club to pay the fee over a longer period.

Triggering the release clause would have meant making a payment up front. A source has told ESPN that United have chosen to pay a "modest premium" in exchange for a longer payment period.

Zirkzee, who was also wanted by AC Milan, has already agreed personal terms and will move to Old Trafford on a five-year contract following a medical.

The 23-year-old, who scored 12 goals for Bologna last season, is set to become United's first signing of the summer.

Meanwhile, the club have confirmed Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake have both signed two-year contracts to become part of Erik ten Hag's backroom staff.

Steve McClaren and Darren Fletcher will stay on as first-team coaches.

Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy have left.

"I am delighted that Rene and Ruud have agreed to join our project, adding a wealth of experience, knowledge and new energy to the staff," Ten Hag said.

"Now is a good time to refresh the coaching team as we look to build on the achievements of the past two years and push to the next level."

United announced on Thursday that midfielder Donny van de Beek has left to join Girona. Sources have told ESPN the deal is worth an initial €500k but could rise to €9.1m through add-ons.

- Rob Dawson, Correspondent

Monday, 3 June 2024

BENNI MCCARTHY ON HIS FUTURE AT MANCHESTER UNITED



 Benni McCarthy: "My contract ends in June. If the club wants me to continue in this role I would be grateful, that would be great."

"I don't know if I'm going to stay or go. I learned a lot at Man United, working with Erik [ten Hag], he's one of the smartest managers I've known."