The Bafana Bafana all- time top goalscorer netted the insurance goal after coming on as a second half substitute to give Pirates a 2-0 win over Black Leopards in an Absa Premiership match at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday night.
The celebrated McCarthy came on for Bongani Ndulula, who scored the first Absa Premiership goal of the season.
'I know that some people doubted that I could still deliver goals. I am happy and honoured Dr Khoza never doubted me," said McCarthy. "It is such a great feeling to score on my debut for a big club like Pirates. I'm happy to have been given a run. I won't rush to be in the starting line-up.
"Fitness-wise I'm fine; it is a work in progress. I want to reward Pirates for their confidence in me by scoring goals to help the club do well in the PSL and African Champions League. I also want to thank the supporters and promise them we will make them happy by winning trophies," said McCarthy.
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