)
Benni McCarthy praises Bafana Bafana’s progress under Hugo Broos but highlights a key structural issue affecting long-term national success.
Often seen as one of South Africa’s most respected football figures, Benni McCarthy has not held back in his latest assessment of Bafana Bafana.
While praising head coach Hugo Broos for steadying the ship, the all-time top goalscorer has also spotlighted a persistent structural issue that, in his eyes, is stalling the national team’s long-term progress.
)
15:30 - 16.05.2025
Mashemeji Derby, Kip Keino Classic Thrown Into Limbo as Tartan Track Laying at Nyayo Stadium Hits Major Snag
Nyayo Stadium had been closed yet again for the instalation of a new tartan track ahead of the Kip Keino Classic and the 97th Mashemeji Derby.
Now serving as the head coach of the Kenya National Team, McCarthy is working alongside assistant Vasili Manousakis and ex-Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports
South Africa are preparing for two friendly matches in June and McCarthy’s critique of the South African Football Association (SAFA) strikes a chord among fans who have grown weary of administrative inefficiencies.
“I think South Africa is slowly but surely getting on the right path because they gave Hugo Broos time to build the squad,” McCarthy told Sporty TV as per Far Post.
“You can see now that there is that continuity and consistency within the national team. So slowly but surely, they started to climb the ladder again because they had good preparations.
“They had a coach who has been there for more than three years now. He was able to implement his philosophy to the team, and I think South Africa is a little bit stable.”
)
11:02 - 15.05.2025
Kaizer Chiefs In For Benni McCarthy-Coached Harambee Stars Striker
Kaizer Chiefs are firming up their interest in Harambee Stars striker who Benni McCarthy likes.
No Fixed Base, No Real Progress
)
However, McCarthy believes the major hindrance to Bafana Bafana's growth lies within SAFA’s operational structure. He emphasized the lack of a permanent base camp as a glaring issue, drawing comparisons with successful North African nations.
“They are not there yet because I still think within the federation that’s the biggest problem still lying. When you are forever shifting where the team camps, there is no base for the team to come and camp on,” McCarthy added.
“That’s where Morocco has succeeded. Egypt has succeeded. You see, the North African countries take a leaf out of what they are doing in Europe. Every team has a base where you come in. So I think that’s where we had to lay our foundations.”
With the national team currently ranked 56th in the world and 10th in Africa, there’s cautious optimism—but that optimism continues to be undermined by persistent administrative flaws.
)
16:05 - 15.05.2025
Benni McCarthy: Harambee Stars Coach Reveals Why Jadon Sancho Refused to Apologize to Erik Ten Hag
Benni McCarthy spills the beans on the events that made Jadon Sancho and Erik Ten Hag not to see eye to eye at Old Trafford.
South Africa’s highest-ever FIFA ranking was 16 in 1996, a benchmark that still feels like a distant memory to many fans.
Friendlies Lined Up, but Big Players Missing
)
SAFA has yet to confirm officially, but Bafana Bafana are reportedly scheduled to play friendly matches against Tanzania and Namibia on June 6 and June 10 respectively.
These matches come within the FIFA window for international friendlies in the CAF zone and serve as key preparation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers resuming in September.
Coach Hugo Broos has opted not to include Mamelodi Sundowns players in these fixtures, prioritizing their readiness for the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States starting June 14.
Benni Eyes Harambee Stars in Action
)
South Africa are gearing up for these friendlies and McCarthy is also looking to test his own side, the Harambee Stars, in June.
Kenya have missed out on recent major tournaments and McCarthy is keen on building momentum and could be lining up friendlies of his own—possibly even eyeing a clash with his former national side.
Fans of both nations will be watching closely—not just for performances on the pitch, but for signs that off-field management is finally catching up with the ambitions of the players and coaches.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)