McCarthy’s Influence Sends Another Star To Europe

Benni McCarthy has influenced another Kenyan player to move abroad. Photo: Gallo Images

Benni McCarthy’s growing impact off the pitch continues to be felt, with the current Kenya head coach understood to have influenced another African player to take the leap from the continent and pursue a career in Europe.

In recent months, the former Manchester United forward coach has been credited with advising young talents to test themselves abroad.

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Over the past six months, two South African prospects have followed that path, with winger Mohau Nkota leaving Orlando Pirates for Saudi Pro League outfit Al Ettihad, before highly-rated defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi swapped the Buccaneers for MLS side Chicago Fire later in the year.

Now, it appears another rising star has taken a similar route. According to Pulse Sports Kenya, via Pepeta, Harambee Stars midfielder Manzur Okwaro has secured a move to Europe after taking guidance from the South African.

Okwaro is set to join French Ligue 2 side Stade de Reims, marking a major step in his career just six months after joining Nairobi United from KCB. 

The versatile midfielder caught the eye during Kenya’s run to the quarter-finals of the 2024 African Nations Championship, where McCarthy deployed him in a central midfield role and helped unlock a new dimension to his game.

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Since then, Okwaro’s reputation has continued to rise.

Despite limited club minutes at Nairobi United, he remained a regular feature in national team call-ups, with interest from abroad never fading. Reports suggest the player has already completed his medical, with an official unveiling expected soon.

The move will see Okwaro link up with compatriot Joseph Okumu at Reims, a club recently relegated from Ligue 1 but still pushing for an immediate return to the top flight.

Reims currently sit fifth in the Ligue 2 standings, firmly in the promotion race, and Okwaro will be hoping to play his part as they chase automatic promotion.

For McCarthy, it is another example of his growing influence in shaping African careers beyond the continent, as more players heed his advice to challenge themselves on Europe’s competitive stages.

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