They say, “family is not important; it’s everything.” Well, these are not my words, but Michael J. Fox’s. This profound statement highlights the idea that family is not merely one aspect of life but rather the cornerstone that supports and shapes everything we do. Benni McCarthy has been introduced as Kenya’s new national team coach following Engin Firat’s departure. This sentiment resonates deeply with Benni McCarthy, whose journey as a footballer, husband, and father reflects the central role family plays or has played in his life. McCarthy’s roots and his biological parents Benni was born to Dudley McCarthy, his father, and Dora McCarthy, his mother, in Cape Town, South Africa.
He was raised in Hanover Park, an area in the Cape Flats known for its challenges, including high crime rates and gang violence. His parents played a crucial role in his upbringing, supporting his football aspirations from a young age. His father, Dudley, was deeply involved in his children’s lives but sadly passed away on November 12, 2008, due to complications from diabetes. His mother has also been an important figure in his life, offering love and encouragement throughout his journey. McCarthy’s Marriages and Wives The celebrated South African football coach and ex-professional player has tied the knot twice and is a proud father of five children from two wives. McCarthy’s first marriage with Maria Santos In 2004, McCarthy married Maria Santos, a Spanish national, and together, they were blessed with three daughters: Minna, Mya, and Allegra. Their marriage encountered difficulties, especially when it came to relocation decisions influenced by McCarthy’s football career.
Everything we know so far In 2006, after McCarthy signed with Blackburn Rovers in England, his marriage began to fall apart. He revealed that Maria, the mother of his three daughters, was unwilling to move to England. This led to their separation in 2007. McCarthy confirms separation from Maria According to McCarthy’s statement to the Sunday Times, his marriage ended in 2007 during his second season at Blackburn Rovers, as his wife was unwilling to leave Spain, which became a significant issue. “We got divorced during my second year at Blackburn Rovers, in 2007. She did not really want to leave Spain and it became a problem.” “Spanish people are not good travellers and they never want to leave Spain. Even the players leave for one season and they want to go back home,”McCarthy. McCarthy’s union with Stacey Munro New love heals old wounds. In May 2014, McCarthy tied the knot with Scottish model Stacey Munro in Edinburgh.
Embracing a blend of cultures, he wore traditional Scottish attire, including a kilt, representing the union of South African and Scottish heritage. Together, they have two children: a daughter named Lima Rose, born in 2012, and a son, Lio Romero, born in 2019. Benni McCarthy and Stacey Munro have been married since 2014, marking a decade of marriage as of 2024. McCarthy’s birthday message to his wife Stacey McCarthy, the celebrated South African football icon, recently expressed his love and appreciation for his wife, Stacey McCarthy, by sharing a heartfelt birthday message on Instagram. Beneath a stunning photo of Stacey, McCarthy expressed his love and appreciation, wishing her a happy birthday and hoping she had a special day, adding that he loves her always.
McCarthy is a dedicated father McCarthy is a proud father of five children. He shares three daughters, Minna, Miya and Allegra, from his previous marriage, while he and his wife, Stacey Munro, have two children together: Lima Rose and Lio Romero READ ALSO John Edward Thomas Moynahan: What you should know about Tom Brady’s son Celebrating his daughter, Minna After posting a heartfelt birthday message for his wife, the former striker later took to social media to celebrate his daughter Minna: “Happy Birthday to my daughter Minna. I love you very much and hope you have a wonderful day,” expressing his love and pride for her. McCarthy unveiled as Harambee Stars head coach Earlier, TUKO.co.ke had reported on Benni McCarthy’s unveiling as the new head coach of the Harambee Stars. Former Manchester United first-team coach McCarthy was officially unveiled as the new head coach of Kenya’s national football team, the Harambee Stars, in a high-profile event held at Serena Hotel on March 3rd.
by Gedion Nzyoki
