Benni McCarthy. image via Instagram @bennimac17

Opinion: Benni McCarthy is too good for Kaizer Chiefs

If Benni McCarthy leaves Manchester United, there is no way he should downgrade to coaching Kaizer Chiefs.

by Craig Lewis

13-03-2024 19:00

in Soccer

Benni McCarthy. image via Instagram @bennimac17

As previously reported on the South African website, there are whispers that Benni McCarthy is on his way out of Manchester United, with his contract not expected to be renewed in the middle of the year.

McCarthy was recruited as a first team coach at United in a blockbuster appointment in July 2022, and he has become a highly popular figure at the club, but the English Premier League giants have still struggled to find real fluency in front of goal, especially of late.

According to the local media veteran Peter du Toit, who works closely with McCarthy’s agent, Rob Moore, the South African coach is set to depart the English club along with current manager Erik ten Hag.

“l know Benni’s contract at Man U ends in June & that Ten Hag won’t be at MU by then,” Du Toit said via X.

If this does transpire, many South Africans will of course clamour for McCarthy to return to South Africa, while Kaizer Chiefs fans will undoubtedly hope to see him head to Naturena.

Chiefs have been actively searching for a permanent head coach for some time, with a host of different candidates linked to Amakhosi, but ultimately the club has yet to settle on an ideal candidate.

Benni McCarthy should strive higher than Kaizer Chiefs

However, it simply would not make sense for McCarthy to move from an international powerhouse club such as Manchester United to an underperforming local side such as Kaizer Chiefs.

McCarthy’s time at United has put him into an entirely different financial and coaching status bracket, and heading to Chiefs – as they head towards 10 years without a meaningful trophy – would represent a real downgrade.

The 46-year-old needs to remain part of high-profile international management teams to continue his upward curve as a coach, or perhaps pursue opportunities with his beloved Bafana Bafana.

McCarthy can surely afford to bide his time, similarly to another high-profile coach Pitso Mosimane – who has carefully picked and chosen the best projects – rather than rushing into anything if he does leave the Red Devils.

At the end of the day, Benni McCarthy will know his value, and heading to Kaizer Chiefs would surely not match that as the next move from Manchester United.

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