Harambee Stars assistant coach Vasili Manousakis has opened up on what prompted him to follow Benni McCarthy to Kenya.

Manousakis was one of the coaches unveiled in early March to take charge of Kenya's men's national football team. McCarthy was appointed as the head coach, replacing Engin Firat, who resigned last year.

Manousakis joined him as the assistant coach while Moeneeb Josephs became the goalkeepers' Coach. Pilela Maposa was also part of the deal, joining as a performance analyst.

Before FKF approached McCarthy, Manousakis was working as an assistant coach to Ernst Middendorp at Cape Town Spurs.

Manousakis had previously deputised McCarthy at Cape Town City and Amazulu, but had never discussed taking a national team job before.

"When he (McCarthy) called me about this project, it was an interesting one because we had never discussed the national team before. But I heard the passion inside him and his belief. It was sort of similar to the call I received just before we joined AmaZulu. He was very positive and confident," he told Farpost.

Manousakis also revealed how McCarthy was passionate about qualifying for the World Cup, a competition Kenya has never played in.

"He even talked about the belief at that stage that there was a real opportunity to qualify for the World Cup, which was a very difficult task. I said to myself, let’s go for it. Let’s go in a different direction and work together."

McCarthy's and Manousakis' dream will have to wait as Harambee Stars won't be at the 2026 World Cup. Kenya were technically knocked out after failing to beat either Gambia or Gabon in McCarthy's first two games in charge.

Harambee Stars first drew against Gambia 3-3 before losing to Gabon on home soil. The results left Kenya fourth in Group F in the qualifiers with six points, 10 behind leaders Ivory Coast and nine behind second-placed Gabon. Only number one is guaranteed a place in the USA, Mexico and Canada next year.

McCarthy and his team are now preparing for the Africa Nations Championships (CHAN), which Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania in August.

Manousakis revealed that he had settled in well in Nairobi as they continue to familiarise themselves with everything they need to succeed.

"It’s a fantastic City in Nairobi. There are some great stadiums, and they are busy building another stadium for the 2027 AFCON. I think if you look at the project and to get together again is great. It’s an honour and it’s very different from the day-to-day activities. We have been watching many local games, and obviously now the Under-20 at the AFCON. So it’s really exciting times."

Kenya were drawn into a tough group that includes Angola, Zambia and two two-time winners, DR Congo and Morocco.

Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums have been earmarked as the two venues for the tournament in Kenya. Talanta Stadium will be used for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will also be hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

In a related report, Benni McCarthy penned a lovely birthday message to his daughter.

The South African took to Instagram and wrote a beautiful message for his daughter, Lima Rose, who turned 13.

McCarthy has five children, including three daughters

Source: TUKO.co.ke