'Does He Have to Go to Kenya?' - Benni McCarthy Gets Fresh Support to Lead Bafana Bafana

Former Orlando Pirates star Teboho ‘Tebza’ Moloi has endorsed Helman Mkhalele and Benni McCarthy as the ideal duo to lead the South African national team after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Current Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has already announced his intention to step down following the tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Helman Mkhalele currently serves as his assistant, while Benni McCarthy is the head coach of the Kenyan national team, the Harambee Stars.

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"It's about time we respect our own homegrown coaches here at home," Moloi told KickOff, urging a shift in perspective towards local talent.

Moloi highlighted the past criticisms aimed at Mkhalele, stating, "All along, the noise was 'Helman doesn't have qualifications', or 'Helman is not suitable to work as a Bafana Bafana assistant'. But Hugo Broos himself has said that 'Helman must replace me' because he sees his knowledge and recognises that this man has played at the highest level."

Moloi pointed to Mkhalele's decorated career, which includes winning the CAF Champions League with Orlando Pirates in 1995 and the Africa Cup of Nations with Bafana Bafana in 1996, in addition to his time playing professionally in Turkey.

Moloi applied the same logic to Benni McCarthy, questioning the need for him to prove his credentials abroad.

"Does Benni have to go to Kenya to prove he's a qualified coach? Like Helman, he has played at the highest level. Benni has proven, without any favours, that he can lead a national team."

The former midfielder believes the pair have earned their stripes and deserve the opportunity to lead their country.

"Helman has proven himself as an assistant coach; even Hugo Broos is saying a lot about him," Moloi continued. "So for once, when it comes to the national team, let's look at our own. They are qualified, they have the paperwork, and they have the experience."

Moloi also suggested a role for another former Bafana Bafana international, Shaun Bartlett, as a scout for the potential new coaching team. He concluded with a passionate plea: "What more must Benni and Helman do to prove they deserve to work together to lead our national team?"

Teboho Moloi strongly advocates for a homegrown coaching duo of Helman Mkhalele and Benni McCarthy, emphasising their experience, achievements, and readiness to take the reins of Bafana Bafana after the 2026 World Cup.