Benni McCarthy recently opened up about the emotional journey he has experienced after missing out on opportunities to coach the two Soweto giants, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, in the Betway Premiership. Despite proving himself as a capable coach at Cape Town City and AmaZulu, McCarthy revealed the heartache he felt after being overlooked by both clubs, even though he had built a strong reputation in South African football.
McCarthy, one of South Africa's most iconic footballers, had high hopes of taking charge of one of the country's biggest teams after establishing himself as a coach in the Premier Soccer League. His success with Cape Town City, where he led the club to multiple cup finals, and his tenure at AmaZulu, where he guided the team to an unprecedented second place finish and a spot in the CAF Champions League, made him a strong candidate for a managerial role at Chiefs or Pirates.
However, despite his credentials, McCarthy was passed over by both clubs, leaving him disheartened and frustrated. Speaking candidly, McCarthy shared the emotional toll the rejections took on him, acknowledging that the experience was difficult to process, especially after years of hard work and dedication to his craft.
"After coach Gavin Hunt left Kaizer Chiefs, there was a possibility that I could have gotten the job, but never did just before coach Nabi, there was an opportunity. There was a cry from everybody, but I never got it because for whatever reason," he told Marawa Sports World.
"I played there at Pirates. Before coach Jose Riveiro came. There was an opportunity, you know, I was doing exceptionally well with probably one of the least (expected) teams that people expect for you to do what you do, AmaZulu. There would have been a possibility to go there, [it] didn't happen. Why not? Because exactly, that's just a trend."
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Determined to continue his growth as a coach, McCarthy made the decision to return to Europe in search of new opportunities. His resilience paid off when he landed a role at one of the biggest clubs in the world—Manchester United. Joining Erik ten Hag's coaching staff as a forwards coach, McCarthy found himself working at the highest level of club football, an achievement that seemed far beyond reach just a few years earlier.
"So, you get to that stage where you think. Yes, that is my home, I love South Africa. I love our football, but it's probably never going to happen for you managing there. Unless it is your Richards Bay coming, AmaZulu, Cape Town City, you know?
"So you rather say, 'stuff that let me rather go and knock on every door I possibly can in Europe, because if one door opens and it's gonna open, things are gonna change. Then I'm gonna have the opportunity that I always wanted," he said.
At United, McCarthy's coaching journey took on a new dimension, as he worked closely with some of the best players in the world, including the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo. His time at Old Trafford proved to be a transformative experience, allowing him to continue his development as a coach while contributing to the growth of one of football's most storied clubs.
Looking back on the missed opportunities with Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, McCarthy remains thankful for the path that eventually led him to Manchester United, though he admits that the disappointment of not coaching in South Africa's biggest football rivalry still lingers.
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