NAIROBI, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Former South Africa captain Benni McCarthy has been appointed head coach of Kenya's national football team.

McCarthy, who flew into the country last week to take up the role, was officially presented by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) in the capital Nairobi on Monday.

The 47-year-old former striker has signed a two-year deal and takes over from Turkish Engin Firat, who resigned last December.

"I am honored to take on this role and excited about the journey ahead with the Kenya national team. I have studied the talent in this country, and I believe there is immense potential," McCarthy told journalists in Nairobi.

Joining McCarthy's technical bench are Vasili Manousakis as assistant coach, former South Africa international custodian Moeneeb Josephs as goalkeeper coach, and Pilela Maposa as performance analyst. All three have also signed two-year contracts.

FKF president Hussein Mohammed expressed confidence in the new technical team.

"After a rigorous selection process, we are confident that McCarthy is the right person to lead our national team forward," Mohammed said.

"His experience, vision, and commitment to developing Kenyan football align perfectly with our ambitions," he added.

McCarthy and his team will immediately take charge as Kenya prepares for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against The Gambia and Gabon this month.

"I look forward to working with the players, the federation, and the passionate Kenyan fans to achieve success," McCarthy pledged.

The South African's last coaching role was as assistant coach at English Premier League side Manchester United last year. Enditem

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