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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."
