Benni McCarthy Shares Heartfelt Birthday Wishes for Daughter Amid Coaching Responsibilities
Benni McCarthy, the current coach of the Harambee Stars, recently took a moment to celebrate a special occasion in his personal life. His daughter, Allegra, turned 17, and McCarthy shared a heartfelt message on social media to mark the milestone. The South African football legend has always been open about his family life, and this latest post was no different.
McCarthy is known for having five children from two relationships. Allegra, his firstborn, is now 17, while his oldest child, from his first marriage, recently turned 20. In addition to Allegra, McCarthy also has a daughter named Lima, who celebrated her 13th birthday in May. His other children include Mya, Minna, and Lio Romeo, with the latter being born in 2019.
The former Bafana Bafana star has been busy preparing his team for the upcoming Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024. Kenya will co-host the tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania, and the competition is set to begin soon. McCarthy is currently leading the Harambee Stars through training camp as they gear up for the challenges ahead.
A New Chapter for the Harambee Stars
McCarthy was appointed as the head coach of the Kenyan national team in March by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), following the departure of Engin Firat. His move to Kenya came after leaving Manchester United in 2024. Since taking charge, he has focused on building a strong foundation for the team, with an eye on the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host.
“We are committed to building a structured, disciplined, and competitive squad,” McCarthy said. “Our goal is to develop a strong team identity, play exciting football, and make the nation proud. I look forward to working with the players, the federation, and the passionate Kenyan fans to achieve success.”
His coaching journey with the Harambee Stars began with a series of World Cup qualifiers. In his first match against Gambia, the team drew 3-3, needing a late goal to salvage a point. They faced another setback when Gabon defeated them in a packed Nyayo Stadium. However, McCarthy secured his first win with a narrow victory over Chad in a friendly match in Morocco last month.
A Family Man and a Dedicated Coach
Despite his busy schedule, McCarthy remains deeply connected to his family. He recently posted photos of Allegra on Instagram, accompanied by a loving message: “Happy 17th birthday to my daughter, Allegra. Love you lots and have a wonderful day.” This gesture highlights the balance he tries to maintain between his professional and personal life.
McCarthy’s family history includes two marriages. He met his first wife, Maria Santos, during his time at Porto, where they married in 2004. The couple had three children together—Mya, Minna, and Allegra—but they separated in 2007. In 2014, he married Stacey Munro, whom he met in Edinburgh in 2008. The couple has two children, Lima and Lio Romeo.
In February, McCarthy celebrated both his wife’s birthday and that of his firstborn, Allegra, showing how much he values these moments.
CHAN 2024 Hosts Announced
As the CHAN 2024 tournament approaches, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has finalized the host cities and stadiums for key matches. Tanzania has been chosen to host the opening match, where Taifa Stars will face Burkina Faso at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on August 2. Uganda will host the third-place playoff at Nelson Mandela Stadium, while Kenya will stage the final on August 30 at Kasarani Stadium.
With the tournament set to begin, all eyes are on the Harambee Stars as they prepare to represent Kenya on the international stage. McCarthy’s leadership, combined with his deep connection to his family, continues to shape both his personal and professional life.
