Benni McCarthy Has Helped Boost the Improvement of Harambee Stars. Here is How

Harambee Stars performance analyst Nick Kimanthi has revealed how working with coach Benni McCarthy has transformed the team, crediting the South African legend’s professionalism for helping Kenyan players step up their game.

Since McCarthy took charge of the national team, results have noticeably improved. While the head coach has rightly received praise, there are also individuals behind the scenes contributing to the team’s success. Among them is Kimanthi, who doubles as the squad’s data analyst and team manager. His job is to monitor players’ physical output, including distance covered, speed, workload, impacts, recovery levels, and even heart rate. These insights are vital in shaping training sessions and matchday strategies.

The data also helps determine whether a player can last a full 90 minutes or if they should be eased in. Additionally, it highlights the areas where players need to improve, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of upcoming opponents.

Kimanthi is not new to high-level football. He has previously worked with clubs in England and Spain, and was part of FIFA’s technical setup during the 2022 World Cup. In March 2024, he joined Harambee Stars, bringing his international experience to the national side.

Data Brings Discipline and Accountability

Speaking on Sporty FM, Kimanthi explained how embracing data has changed the culture within the squad.

“We don’t depend on guesswork or personal opinions. Everything is tracked using GPS from training to matches, so we know exactly what a player can give us,” he said. “If someone doesn’t hit the required intensity in training, it’s impossible to expect them to perform in a game.”

Kimanthi is encouraged by how quickly Kenyan players have accepted performance tracking. Many were unfamiliar with GPS systems before joining the national team, but now they see it as a tool for improvement.

“I’ve seen players walk in not knowing what GPS means. Once they sit down with me and understand how it works, they appreciate it. Knowing they are monitored pushes them to work harder,” he added. “Even on days when they don’t want to look at the data, someone will still ask how their stats are. That sense of accountability motivates them to be better.”

McCarthy’s Understanding of Data

Kimanthi has worked with several managers across his career, and he says McCarthy stands out for his awareness of how data influences performance. Unlike some coaches who place unnecessary pressure on analysts, the South African tactician knows exactly what information he needs and how to use it.

“The coach is the decision-maker, but our role is to support him. If he faces a dilemma, he comes to me and asks for numbers to guide his decision,” Kimanthi explained. “I’ve dealt with coaches who want long presentations or even prefer me to address the players directly. Benni, on the other hand, already understands the system. He only asks for specific details that help him decide quickly.”

Currently pursuing a PhD after completing a Master’s degree in Sports Performance Analysis, Kimanthi believes Kenya is slowly catching up with global standards in sports science. Still, he acknowledges there is a long way to go before reaching the advanced levels seen in Europe or South America.

“I feel privileged to work with Benni because he fully understands data and what to request from me,” he said. “You don’t just bombard him with numbers, he knows what he wants and what those numbers mean. With him, there’s no need to explain basic concepts. He gets it immediately.”

For Harambee Stars, that combination of modern data use and McCarthy’s football knowledge is proving to be a winning formula.