Benni: I can get very nasty

And clearly the run-in has rankled Bafana Bafana's record scorer.

"Banter is part of football, but I think when you disrespect, that crosses another line. For Roger de Sa and Eric Tinkler, former players, to behave like that, I think that should be thrown out the game. That is why they are coaches at Wits and not the Gavin Hunts and Steve Komphelas of this League," McCarthy told Super Sport.

He continued: "They know what they did, I don't have to spell it out. If they want to get nasty, I can get very nasty, because what I have achieved in my career in football, and what they have achieved - if you want to compare medals and achievements and money, then I would be glad to join in that conversation because I know I would come out right on top.

"Eric Tinkler thought we were still team-mates in the national side, I even forgot that we played together in the national team. He tried to be smart so I had to put him in his place because when you as a player are getting pushed around left, right and centre by the opposing coaches, then me, I must defend myself. He is lucky I didn't slap him!"