'They Deserve All My Money' - Former Bafana Star Reveals Benni McCarthy's Selfless Stand That Shook SAFA

Former Bafana Bafana star Lebohang Mokoena has recounted a powerful moment from the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) preparations, shining a light on the generosity of Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy.

Lebohang Mokoena's recollection is a testament to Benni McCarthy's commitment to his teammates, especially the younger, less-established players, and his unwavering belief that they deserved better from the South African Football Association (SAFA).

It all started with a friendly match against the host nation, Egypt, which Bafana Bafana won 1-0 and established their authority ahead of the 2006 continental showpiece.

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However, behind the scenes, a critical and damaging issue was brewing that threatened to derail their entire campaign, unresolved contractual disputes.

"We were preparing for the AFCON. We played a friendly game against the host nation, Egypt. We won the game. We beat Egypt 1-0. Now everybody is saying, 'Be careful of South Africa.' If these guys can do this against the host nation, shoot them or shoot them," Lebohang Mokoena recalled in an interview with Soccer Beat.

As the opening game approached, the South African camp was embroiled in a dispute over player contracts and bonuses for the tournament.

The local players were unhappy with the proposed terms, and crucial negotiations were stuck in a stalemate. This is where Benni McCarthy, alongside other senior players like Pierre Issa and Ray Zuma, intervened decisively.

Mokoena detailed the moment the former Manchester United attacking coach took a stand in a tense board meeting with SAFA officials.

"Before the opening AFCON game, contracts are not signed yet. Benni then stood up for the players, and he says, I think it was Mr Mubarak, one of the HODs from Safa. And he's like, ‘I don't care what you guys are saying here. These lads deserve better.’ They deserve all my money. If it were by me, take all my money and my bonuses. You must give these guys. These guys deserve this money," Benni McCarthy said.

Benni McCarthy's defence of his teammates was more than just vocal support, as it was also a profound act of financial sacrifice.

In a move that exemplified his dedication, the Harambee Stars coach personally forfeited his daily allowance to support the team's vital support staff, specifically Thulani Ngwenya, the late Bafana Bafana physiotherapist.

This act of solidarity proved to be the turning point. Mokoena admitted that it was Benni McCarthy's leadership that earned the team the resolution they were fighting for.

"And the pocket money that I take here, my daily allowance, you must give it to Prajo. So literally, Benni took his daily allowance. He gave it to the late Prajo, the physio at Orlando Pirates," he added.

While Mokoena's primary focus was to celebrate Benni McCarthy's heroic intervention, the story serves as a powerful lesson and a stern warning to the South African Football Association regarding the handling of player affairs before major tournaments, including the 2025 AFCON that is just days away.

Mokoena stressed the need to address contractual and payment issues well in advance, preventing them from becoming a distraction and a "stumbling block" on the international stage.

"The lesson from this is that you must not leave things unsorted out before a major tournament, as we are heading to a major tournament,” he shared.

“Let those issues be sorted out because they have been a stumbling block for us as South Africans. When we get to a tournament, you start hearing issues of players don't want to sign the contract, their peers are not paid. Can we sort those things out?"

Mokoena's reflection is a clear message to SAFA that players need to be respected, and their administrative issues must be resolved promptly so the focus can remain purely on football excellence.