Why Benni McCarthy is PERFECT to coach Bafana

Benni McCarthy is a Bona fide Bafana Bafana legend and he’s got the chops to be their manager, sooner rather than later! Here’s why.

BENNI MCCARTHY IS BAFANA BAFANA ROYALTY

First of all, let’s deal with the reputational things. Benni is Bafana’s all-time leading goal-scorer with 31 goals from 80 caps, and he’s the first and only South African footballer to win the UEFA Champions League. There is a certain status attached to an individual with these special accolades.

ACCUSTOMED TO PRESSURE IN THE LIMELIGHT

Benni is no stranger to criticism and attention from the public eye and the fishbowl environment of football. That will come with the territory, and this man has the thick skin required for the role. Just ask any of his predecessors; this job isn’t for ants.

WALID REGRAGUI IS A SHINING EXAMPLE FOR THE GREAT MAN

The work that Morocco boss Walid Regragui did with the Atlas Lions at World Cup 2022 was nothing short of miraculous, taking them to the semifinals with a win against Portugal in his NINTH game at the helm. Regragui is also a proud Moroccan. Maybe it’s time for South Africa to plan for life after 70-year-old Belgian Hugo Broos and line up a South African to replace him. Regragui is a trailblazing African manager, having enjoyed success on the domestic AND continental stages, a bit like someone else we know… a guy nicknamed Jingles.

THE PITSO MODEL IS WORTH EMULATING

One of legendary Pitso Mosimane’s greatest strengths as a manager has been his uncanny and innate ability to relate to his players, their cultures and lived experiences. Hugo Broos might not be able to carry this out longer term. Benni McCarthy, on the other hand, certainly has the potential to be able to do so. He’ll also immediately have the respect and admiration of the dressing room.

A DUAL MAN UNITED/BAFANA BAFANA ROLE COULD BE IDEAL FOR BENNI MCCARTHY

A dual role is plausible for Benni. Just take a look at Ghana coach Otto Addo, who took the Black Stars to the World Cup but retained a key role with Borussia Dortmund as their youth coach. If anything, that level of variety would only make Benni a sharper and better coach with more strings to his bow. With management experience at AmaZulu and Cape Town City, Benni already has an impressively rounded CV as a head coach.

So, when should this all happen? We aren’t 100% sure, but it would be ridiculous if Benni McCarthy’s name was not in the discussion when Bafana Bafana is considering their next boss.