Benni bombshell: I have no legal reason to stay in Kenya
by KickOff Reporter · KickOffKenya head coach Benni McCarthy has explained why he does not stay in the country despite being in charge of the national team since 2025.
McCarthy was appointed head coach of the Harambee Stars in 2025 and he is now set to lead the team in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted across three countries, including Kenya.
However, South Africa's all-time leading scorer has now admitted he can't legally stay in the country beyond his duties with the national team due to work permit issues.
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"We sat with the federation about this issue because, for me, that's the biggest problem," McCarthy told Kenyan Journalist Kevin Teya.
"I see what goes on around the world regarding immigration and people being undocumented, and it's horrible—especially for people who look like me.
"When I arrived, the federation said they had everything under control and were working on it. But a year and a half later, you get tired of asking. Your words end up falling on deaf ears, and that's where we are with the federation."
McCarthy also responded to the criticism about being in the country outside of the international breaks.
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"When I saw those reports yesterday, it hit hard. People wonder why we are never here, but I don't ever want to be questioned by authorities for being illegal in someone else's country," he added.
"So I come here, do my job, and when my job is finished, I get out because I have no legal reason to stay.
"It's a big problem for me, even if it doesn't seem like a problem for the people we work for. So far, we've just been fortunate that it hasn't come to light until now."