Benni McCarthy with Siyethemba Sithebe at AmaZulu. Photo: Archives
McCarthy reiterates support for Sithebe at AmaZulu
AmaZulu coach Benni McCarthy says a solution that works for both Siyethemba Sithebe and the club will be found.
Benni McCarthy with Siyethemba Sithebe at AmaZulu. Photo: Archives
From recent talk that Sithebe is no longer part of AmaZulu’s plans – subsequently refuted by McCarthy – and reports that a deal with Amakhosi was close to being concluded, there have been numerous twists and turns in relation to the 29-year-old during the transfer window.
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It came against the backdrop of AmaZulu president Sandile Zungu hitting out at Chiefs, stating that the Soweto giants weren’t honest in the deal involving Sithebe, even suggesting they could have taken the case to court.
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However, McCarthy has again highlighted his view that Sithebe will not be iced out at AmaZulu despite contentious talk that he had reportedly signed a pre-contract with Chiefs to join up with the squad for the 2022/23 season.
“The Sithebe issue. I was away in Scotland with my family when all this happened, so I came back and read in the newspapers that it was set Sithebe is never going wear an AmaZulu shirt [again],” he said.
“I had conversations with the President and the board about us having to be on the same page and on the same level – at the end of the day, he’s still our player.
“He’s not gone yet and in these circumstances, we have to put emotions aside, you know. I’m sure as a club we’ll find a way forward, we’ll find a solution that works for the club and player.
“I can’t say I won’t play the player because he’s going to be someone else’s player – I don’t think that’s how life is supposed to be. Football is what it is and we have to try and make difficult decisions.”
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McCarthy added that he had not discussed the issue in person with Sithebe, but suggested it was important to handle the matter without emotion.
“When I came back we had a few days of preseason and then the Compact Cup.
“Yesterday [Monday] was the first day I had a full squad training, so I’ve not really had a moment where I could pull Sithebe aside.
“But he’s a grown man — he knew what he was doing. And it’s been part and parcel of our football since I can remember — nine out of 10 times when a player signs a precontract he doesn’t play again [at the club he’s leaving].
“Because the club doesn’t want the player to play, the coach also wants to prepare the young or new players in that place — why prepare a player and make him the best for another club?
“I suffered that with [Chiefs’ off-season signing Sibusiso] Mabiliso. AmaZulu turned his football around, he went to the Olympics, and then he said, ‘Goodbye’, and he’s gone to Chiefs.
“And now we’re facing a similar situation and you don’t want to get bitten on the backside with the same thing happening.”
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It remains to be seen how much Sithebe will play for AmaZulu in the second half of the season
Having finished last season as runners-up in the DStv Premiership, the current campaign has been more of a struggle for AmaZulu.
Although they are in fifth place in the log with 27 points after 20 matches, they have played as many as three more games than a number of teams below them in the standings.
Benni McCarthy’s men will next be in action in a blockbuster Nedbank Cup Round of 32 match away against Orlando Pirates on Sunday, 6 February at 15:00.
Thereafter, AmaZulu will travel to Sudan for their first CAF Champions League group stage match against Raja Casablanca on Friday, 11 February.
Their next league assignment will be at home against TS Galaxy on Wednesday, 16 February at 17:00.
