Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has revealed that unresolved work permit issues are the reason he does not remain in Kenya after national team assignments, raising fresh questions about the status of foreign members of the national team’s technical bench.
In an interview with DollarTV on September 23, McCarthy said he and members of his backroom staff have yet to receive the documentation needed to work legally in Kenya, despite serving with the national team for an extended period.
The South African coach said the situation has become a major personal concern, forcing him to leave the country after national team camps end.
“I don’t want to be questioned by authorities on why I am in another country illegally,” McCarthy said.
The former Manchester United first-team coach explained that while he was brought to Kenya to help improve the national team, he is uncomfortable operating without the proper legal documentation.
He said the issue remains unresolved despite efforts to secure the necessary permits.
Benni McCarthy’s Concern Over Legal Status
McCarthy disclosed that he currently feels exposed because he lacks the documentation required to legally work in the country.
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According to the coach, the matter is serious enough that he prefers not to remain in Kenya beyond his official assignments with Harambee Stars.
“I have no reason to be here because I am not legally allowed to be here. Because it is a big problem to me, but it seems it is not a problem for the people we work for,” he said.
The 48-year-old added that obtaining work permits should be a basic responsibility of any employer that recruits foreign professionals.
The coach said Football Kenya Federation (FKF) had already done its part by preparing and submitting the required documents, but suggested the process had stalled elsewhere.
Player Allowances Concern
Beyond the work permit issue, Coach Benni McCarthy also raised alarm over unpaid player allowances, revealing that some Harambee Stars players have attended several camps without receiving the money they were promised.
The coach said the delays are beginning to affect morale within the squad and are making it increasingly difficult to manage players.
“For four to five camps, not receiving a cent of what was promised, of course, as a human being you will be like, is it worth it? Is it okay for the national team?” he said.
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McCarthy admitted that frustrations among some players are growing as they continue to wait for payments.
The South African noted that while footballers often begin their careers because of passion and love for the game, professional football is also their livelihood.
“We all started playing football for the love and the passion, it was not about money. But when you have a gift, people are willing to pay a lot of money for it,” he said.
McCarthy said he understands why some players have become frustrated by the delays and acknowledged that some have been forced to make alternative arrangements to support themselves.
The coach ended with a direct appeal for intervention from both football and government authorities before the situation worsens.
“The Ministry, the President, the FKF should intervene before it gets worse,” he said.
In March 2026, Benni McCarthy publicly admitted that the Kenya job was “holding him back” and strongly hinted that he intended to leave international football and return to club management after his contract expires following the 2027 AFCON.
He said he was frustrated that he only saw players during international breaks and didn’t work with them daily.
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