Benni McCarthy has addressed ongoing speculation about coaching top South African clubs, reflecting on past interest and clarifying where he currently stands.
Harambee Stars boss Benni McCarthy has always been linked with South African top clubs, including Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, with the recent case being that of the latter club.
The former Manchester United attacking coach, in a past interview with Radio 2000, opened up about his interest in coaching the clubs and whether he has ever been approached for the big role.
Benni McCarthy on coaching Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs
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The South African native revealed that he was once approached by the Orlando Pirates chairman, and the deal was on course to maturity, but they chose someone better than him.
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He disclosed that at the time, it would have been a good venture for him, and he would have made the most out of the club, thanks to the quality players that were present.
Benni McCarthy pointed out that he was ready for a coaching stint with the club but was denied the opportunity.
“There was once a time, way before Jose Riveiro came to Pirates, I think it was the Swedish coach, I did speak with the chairman, and it was almost a done deal,” Benni McCarthy revealed.
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“I didn’t have a lot of coaching experience, but I think I would have done an amazing job because the players Pirates had at the time, not even Sundowns could have come closer. If I had been given an opportunity there, I think it would have been fireworks.”
Benni McCarthy added that after that deal went wrong, every time there has been a coaching vacancy at either Kaizer Chiefs or Orlando Pirates, his name would always come up.
McCarthy revealed that he has never had any formal talks with Orlando Pirates after that, further pointing out that he has never been approached by Kaizer Chiefs at all.
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“That is the closest I ever came to coaching Pirates, but after that, it was just rumours connecting me to coaching Pirates and Chiefs,” he added.
“When there is a vacancy, my name always keeps coming up, but I think it’s also to attract other coaches. But they are the biggest clubs in the country, and their derby is very special.”
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Benni McCarthy coached Amazulu FC in December 2020, and his tenure ended in March 2022. He noted that his stint with the club was great, but some issues forced him to leave.
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After leaving Old Trafford, Benni McCarthy was then approached by Amazulu FC, but he declined their request.
“I had coached them once, and I didn’t want to do it twice. It was just another time, and I had moved on and had the best time as a coach at Amazulu. It was amazing working there,” Benni McCarthy revealed.
Benni McCarthy remains a popular name linked to top South African clubs like Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, and he admitted to being open to coaching one of the clubs when the right time comes.
His coaching journey in South Africa has been shaped by near misses and personal choices, and for now, the former striker is focused on taking Harambee Stars to the next level.