In the second part of his interview on SuperSport Unplugged: UCL Reloaded, Benni McCarthy - South Africa's football icon and former Manchester United first-team coach - dives deep into his insights on South African football, its place in the world, and what it will take to elevate the national team to greater heights.
The episode kicks off with McCarthy addressing the challenges South African players face in making it to Europe. He explains that breaking into top European leagues requires more than just raw talent - it demands mental toughness and consistency. McCarthy emphasises the importance of South African players developing a strong work ethic and taking their chances when they arise.
Despite his retirement from professional football, McCarthy reveals that he’s still recognised in Europe for his achievements, particularly for his time at Porto, where he famously won the Uefa Champions League under José Mourinho. He admits, however, that it frustrates him to see fewer South African players following in his footsteps. McCarthy stresses the need for more exposure for the country's football talent, highlighting the limited visibility of South African players on the global stage.
MORE INVESTMENT NEEDED
In one of the more candid moments, when McCarthy explains why other African nations like Senegal and Nigeria consistently outperform Bafana Bafana. According to McCarthy, these countries invest more in their youth development and offer better pathways for players to succeed internationally. He also touches on what bothers him most about South African football - lack of proper infrastructure and long-term planning.
The conversation takes a deeper dive into the state of coaching in South Africa. McCarthy questions whether coaching methods in the country are evolving fast enough to keep up with international trends. He doesn’t shy away from giving his opinion, asserting that he considers himself the best coach South Africa has produced. McCarthy's confidence in his coaching abilities, bolstered by his time at Manchester United, suggests that he’s ready to continue making a significant impact in the sport.
McCarthy’s advice for up-and-coming players is simple but powerful - focus on mastering the basics, be patient, and always be ready to seize opportunities. He shares his thoughts on which South African players should be playing at a higher level, pointing out that players like Themba Zwane and Percy Tau have the talent but need more exposure.
The interview also allows McCarthy to reflect on African football legends. He names his best African players of all time, a list that includes Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba, and Jay-Jay Okocha. When asked who the greatest African striker is, McCarthy gives the nod to Ivorian legend Drogba, highlighting his leadership and knack for scoring crucial goals. Finally, in a nostalgic moment, McCarthy names his biggest rival—Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney—and he shares fond memories of his best friends from his playing days, such as Aaron Mokoena and Steven Pienaar.
IMMENSE POTENTIAL
Throughout the interview, McCarthy’s passion for South African football shines through. His determination to see Bafana Bafana rise again, coupled with his strong opinions on what’s needed for progress, makes this episode a must-watch for fans and aspiring footballers alike. His words resonate not just as a call to action for better infrastructure and coaching but also as a reminder of the immense talent and potential South African football holds.