Benni McCarthy Emerges as Favourite to Lead African Football Powerhouse

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has emerged as a strong favourite to take over from Hugo Broos as the next Bafana Bafana manager. 

The South African football legend is being tipped by several pundits and former players to lead the national team into a new era once Broos steps down after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Broos, who took charge of the national side in 2021, has transformed Bafana Bafana into a formidable force in African football. 

In the past four years, South Africa have secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and claimed a third-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast which was their best continental showing in over two decades.

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The 73-year-old Belgian tactician has already confirmed that next year’s World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada will mark his final tournament before retirement. 

Sports journalist Moses Mbongo shared his thoughts on McCarthy’s suitability for the role during his chat with South African publication Briefly News.

“I think Hugo Broos migbht want to step down as Bafana Bafana head coach after the world cup next year,” he suggested. 

“Bafana Bafana should start planning Broos' possible exit, and I think Benni McCarthy is the right man for the job. He has taking our football to another level here in Kenya, with the national team doing good.”

Since taking charge, Broos  has instilled discipline, tactical structure, and belief in a Bafana Bafana squad that had long struggled for consistency.

The former Cameroon head coach  leadership saw the emergence of a new generation of players — a blend of youthful talent and experienced campaigners — capable of competing against Africa’s best.

In October, Broos reiterated his retirement plans, saying that the 2026 World Cup would be the “perfect swansong” to his illustrious career.

The Belgian, who represented his country at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, said the global finals would be a fitting end to his five-decade-long involvement in football.

“You all know I was at the World Cup at the end of my career as a player and now I do it again as a coach,” Broos said in a past interview.

The South African Football Association (SAFA) now faces the crucial task of appointing a successor who can maintain the team’s momentum.

Among the names mentioned, McCarthy’s stands out — not just for his playing pedigree but also for his growing reputation as a coach capable of inspiring results.

McCarthy, South Africa’s all-time leading goal scorer, has made significant strides in his coaching journey. 

His stint with AmaZulu FC saw him guide the club to their first-ever CAF Champions League qualification, earning widespread praise for his tactical awareness and motivational skills.

Now making waves as the Harambee Stars head coach, McCarthy has been credited with rejuvenating Kenyan football. 

His influence has reportedly lifted team morale and improved performances, drawing comparisons to the transformation Broos achieved with Bafana Bafana.