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Benni extends olive branch

Johannesburg - Benni McCarthy has ended any speculation of a strained relationship between himself and Roger de Sa after personally welcoming the new Orlando Pirates coach to the club.

The Buccaneers confirmed the appointment of De Sa as Augusto Palacios' successor on Monday as the Peruvian relinquished the role due to health concerns.

McCarthy and De Sa had previously become embroiled in a very public spat after Pirates' 2011 Telkom Knockout final success over the Students, with the pair exchanging heated words at the final whistle, while McCarthy said during the post-match conference that "[Wits assistant coach] Eric Tinkler and Roger de Sa are dead to me."

Bafana Bafana striker McCarthy must have taken a double take when Pirates announced the coach's appointment in Soweto on Monday, but South Africa's all-time record goal scorer has opted to take the high road and gave his congratulations to the former Clever Boys tactician, while also wishing Palacios well.

"Very sad news of coach Palacios resignation," McCarthy wrote on social networking site Twitter.

"A good man and a great coach. I wish him a speedy recovery.

"Congrats is in order to Roger de Sa. Roger is a good coach that's why he got the job, hope he bring success (sic)."

McCarthy is recovering from a hamstring strain he picked up on his return to the national team on Friday evening and is currently out of contention for Pirates' PSL clash against Platinum Stars.

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