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Johannesburg 0 Orlando Pirates coach Julio Leal admits he will not consider
starting Benni McCarthy until the former Bafana Bafana ace can prove he
has made a full return to fitness.
The former Blackburn and West Ham striker came on as a second-half substitute in the 0-0 draw against AmaZulu on Saturday evening, and coach Leal looks set to continue that trend when Pirates host Black Leopards in the Telkom Knockout this weekend.
"He is still not up to the (fitness) standards we require from our players. But his commitment to the group has convinced me that I can use him during the game, particularly when we need the opportunity to try and create goal," he told SuperSport.
However, the Brazilian tactician is confident the forward will be starting matches sooner, rather than later.
"I expect him to make it (the fitness target) and then at that point in time, we can put him in the starting line," he added..
"But Benni will always be able to add some value."
