Harambee Stars Coach Benni McCarthy Expresses Desire to Manage Top Scottish Club
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has revealed his ambition to one day manage one of Scotland’s football giants, Rangers FC or Celtic FC, two of the most historic and dominant clubs in British football.
Speaking in an interview with Best Betting Sites, McCarthy acknowledged the prestige and magnitude of leading either of the Glasgow clubs, describing such an opportunity as a “dream job” for any football manager.
“I am up in Scotland right now, so who knows? I will definitely put my CV in for Rangers one day because that would be like managing Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City, Liverpool, or Man United up in Scotland—that’s how big they are. The same goes for Celtic. If that job were to become available, it would be a dream for any manager worth their salt,” McCarthy said.
His comments come amid managerial movements in the Scottish Premiership. Rangers recently appointed German coach Danny Röhl after initially ruling him out of contention, following the breakdown of negotiations with Kevin Muscat, another high-profile candidate. Röhl’s appointment came after a turbulent start to the season for the Glasgow side.
Despite acknowledging the difficulty of securing such a high-profile role, McCarthy stressed that ambition is an essential driving force for every coach.
“They are two massive clubs, and if opportunities like that come along, you have to put yourself forward. The chances might be slim—almost mission impossible—but ambition is what keeps you going. Every manager wants to reach the highest level possible,” he added.
McCarthy, who took charge of Kenya’s national team in March 2025, has earned praise for rejuvenating the Harambee Stars with improved performances and tactical discipline. His short tenure has already brought renewed optimism to Kenyan football circles, as the team seeks to make a strong impact in upcoming AFCON qualifiers and international friendlies.
The 47-year-old South African tactician launched his coaching career in 2017 with Cape Town City in the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL), where he won the 2018 MTN8 Cup and secured a top-three finish. He later managed AmaZulu FC, leading them to a record second-place finish in 2020/21 and guiding the club to its first-ever CAF Champions League appearance—achievements that earned him the PSL Coach of the Season award.
In 2022, McCarthy joined Manchester United as part of Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff, specializing in attacking play and individual player development. His influence was widely credited for revitalizing Marcus Rashford’s form during the 2022–23 season, which saw the forward enjoy one of his most prolific campaigns.
With a UEFA Champions League winner’s medal from his playing days with FC Porto under José Mourinho, McCarthy’s journey from player to respected coach continues to evolve. His growing résumé, coupled with his success in both club and international management, positions him as one of Africa’s most accomplished modern coaches—and potentially, a future contender for a major European managerial role.
Additional Context:
Scotland’s football landscape remains heavily dominated by Celtic and Rangers, who share a fierce rivalry known as the Old Firm Derby. Both clubs regularly compete in European competitions and have historically attracted international coaching talent. Should McCarthy eventually land such a role, he would become the first African coach to manage a top-tier Scottish club, a milestone that would not only enhance his legacy but also serve as inspiration for African managers globally.
