Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has shared how a bold decision while he was just starting his football career turned out to be the best he ever made.
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy is among African football legends who enjoyed a great playing career, turning out for European and South African giants.
McCarthy played for Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam before moving to Spain with Celta Vigo and would later sign for Portuguese giants FC Porto where he enjoyed success, winning the UEFA Champions League, to become the first and only South African to lift the prestigious trophy.
He would later enjoy successful spells with Blackburn Rovers in the English Premier League before winding up with a great two-year stint with Orlando Pirates back home.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News
)
06:32 - 28.04.2025
‘Most Ruthless Ever’ - Harambee Stars Coach Benni McCarthy Names Man United Star Who Scared Him Most
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has opened up about a former Manchester United player who always sent chills down his spine whenever he came up against him.
However, McCarthy believes all these would not have been achieved if he did not make the bold decision to leave his humble Cape Town home for an adventure in Europe aged just 20.
“The most standout for me was signing for Ajax Amsterdam because my life was in South Africa so I was from humble beginnings, hardships from the Cape flats where you know it is difficult for anyone to come there and make something of your life and make a career for you,” McCarthy told CGTN over his move to the Dutch giants in 1997.
Benni in awe of his great mindset
)
“For me to be able to have that mindset, ambition and ability to withstand whatever comes my way, nothing is going to stop me from reaching where I want to be and that is to be a professional football player.
)
12:58 - 28.04.2025
Rafael Benitez: Former Liverpool and Real Madrid Manager Rejects Offer to Coach African Giants
Veteran Spanish coach Rafael Benitez, who has had stints with Liverpool, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Napoli and Inter Milan, has reportedly turned down an African football giant.
“To rise out of poverty, hardships and make it to the top of the pyramid to play European football with a team that won the Champions League the year before that with global soccer stars from the Netherlands and joining that team as just a local boy from Cape Town. That is the standout moment of my career.”
McCarthy had started his career in 1995 with Seven Stars in South Africa before joining Cape Town Spurs, and in 1997, after impressing at the African Youth Championship and FIFA World Youth Championship in Malaysia, he joined Ajax Amsterdam.
He played for Ajax for two seasons, managing 21 goals in 48 games, and won a league and two Dutch cups before he was sold to Spanish club Celta Vigo.
)
14:00 - 28.04.2025
Top 7 Most Expensive Trophies in the World
From the FIFA World Cup to the FA Cup and prestigious Ballon d'Or discover the most expensive trophies in the world.