Benni McCarthy: ‘I can do what Morocco and Ghana did for Africa’

Former South African football star Benni McCarthy has set his sights firmly on coaching the national team, Bafana Bafana. He believes he has the skills and passion to emulate the success of Morocco and Ghana, who have made impressive progress in recent World Cup tournaments.

World Cup Ambitions

“Any player who turns to coaching or being a manager, his dream is to coach his national team,” McCarthy declared in an interview with iDiski Times. “And for me, it’s even more so, the fire is burning even more so. Because of the fact that South Africa has never qualified for the World Cup since 2010, or technically 2002 (Bafana only qualified in 2010 by virtue of being hosts)! And that ghost is haunting me.”

McCarthy’s ambition burns bright: “I can help our national team qualify for the World Cup. And not just qualify for the World Cup, but going far! Going through the group stages and doing what Morocco and Ghana have done at previous World Cups.”

McCarthy: Coaching with Energy and Passion

The current Manchester United striker coach has also made it clear he wants to be at the helm of Bafana Bafana while still in his prime. A pointed reference to current 71-year-old head coach Hugo Broos suggests McCarthy envisions a more youthful and energetic approach.

“Listen. I don’t want to be Hugo Broos’ age when I take the Bafana job!” McCarthy quipped. “I want to be able to still have the energy that I have. I want to be present for my players. And you know how vocal and how animated I am? I still want to have all those traits, the trademark me on the touchline.”

World Cup Aspirations Remain Elusive

McCarthy’s name surfaced for the Bafana Bafana job in 2021 after the dismissal of Molefi Ntseki. The role ultimately went to Broos, who, despite a commendable bronze medal at the Africa Cup of Nations finals, couldn’t guide South Africa to the 2022 World Cup.

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