Benni flew the SA flag high

I would like to comment on the news of the retirement of Bennie McCarthy. I dont have much, except acknowledging how much of a blessing this guy has been to South African football and to his family. I remember watching him for the first time playing for the National Team, playing against Namibia, in 1998 (I think), Bafana still had the Kappa shirts back then. I was just above 10 years back then, but i still remember it like it was yesterday, the movements and the execution, it was a marvel to watch. I also recall, years later, when i was at Varsity, when he was now playing in the EPL, for Blackburn. Im sure Rovers supporters had never had so much hope of their team than when this guy was there, he was at the heart of every bit of success in that team, and he became the top goalscorer in England on that season. Pitty i didnt follow him much when he was playing in Spain for Celta Vigo, but i know he had a wonderful time there, winning champs league and meeting the mother of his child. I must say when he started out playing for Cape Town Spurs, before it joined Ria Stars to make up Ajax, i didnt think much of him, just like all the other players of those individual teams who have since disappeared entirely, but hey, what a treat we all got after that

I know South African people, with the hatred we have, we will hold on to his weaknesses and his refusals to honour National call ups, which to me were for specific reasons that he did mention, but i still we ought to give this guy more respect and honour, for he has always made sure that the South African flag was always flying high

Go Rest winner, we are proud of you and we will forget all your mistakes as time goes by. We do hope to see you on coaching level, so youngsters can leverage your experience and make the best of it all. Please mentor Thulani Serero