PSL
Benni: I finally feel at home
2012-05-22 10:04
Johannesburg - Orlando Pirates hero Benni McCarthy says he is delighted to
finally be receiving the plaudits he feels he deserves following his PSL
title-winning brace at the weekend.
The former Bafana Bafana ace has been a revelation for the
Buccaneers since joining at the beginning of the season, culminating in
his double strike against Golden Arrows on the final day of the campaign
which handed Pirates the PSL crown.
McCarthy has endured a frustrating relationship with the South
African public during his professional footballing career, with many
labeling the striker as 'lazy', or unwilling to give his all for the
national side.
However, Bafana's all-time record goal scorer feels his
compatriots are finally behind him, and that he can now look forward to a
fruitful career in the sub-Saharan country.
"I don't think I have ever been this popular in South Africa," McCarthy told the PSL's official website.
In a failed attempt to remain modest, he added: "To be honest, I don't think it's overwhelming.
"I think I'm the first South African to return home and win a championship, let alone at home.
"When I signed, I had a word with the chairperson (Irvin Khoza) and I
knew I was joining a championship-winning team. Obviously at the start I
didn't understand how strong these boys in the camp were, but I saw
that. They helped me along the way when the chips were down."