coach Benni McCarthy has opened up about his mentor relationship with former Manchester United, Chelsea, and Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho and why the pair’s relationship has changed since he became the Kenya national football team coach.
McCarthy and Mourinho have a shared history from their time at Porto, where the Portuguese tactician coached the South African football legend.
It is from this relationship that with Mourinho checking in on him at every step of his coaching journey.
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Mohammed Bajaber has earned praise from Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy who has revealed how he left an impression on him during their recent conversations.
«I think the person that really made me want to go into coaching was my time at Porto under Mourinho,» said McCarthy in an interview with
«He was a young coach, I think 39, just under 40, so he was still a baby, and he worked with senior players. And I was like, if that is what a coach is meant to be, then I want to be like him because the love that he had from the players was incredible.»
This inspiration saw McCarthy aspire to coaching, landing his first job at South African side AmaZulu.
During this period, the two maintained contact, with keeping tabs on McCarthy.
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has received criticism for not translating his great club form to the national team but what are the factors that contribute to this?
«When I was at AmaZulu in South Africa, we always kept in touch. If I won Coach of the Month or the Year, he would always send me a message and tell me, ‘So proud of you, son,’» reflected McCarthy.
This mentorship even translated to where Mourinho was previously a manager. Mourinho shared his deep knowledge of the club to guide McCarthy.
However, since taking the , McCarthy admits their communication has reduced.
«Now that I’m national team coach in Kenya, I have not had that. He’s got his own problems, so I don’t think he is going to be giving me advice anytime soon,» said McCarthy.
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy is facing increasing pressure to move past captain Michael Olunga.
Their relationship, though still solid, has seen the pair’s interaction minimized.
, continues to maintain a relationship with McCarthy.