Share

Benni: I'm not leaning on my reputation

Cape Town - Benni McCarthy says having a UEFA Pro License shows he is serious about coaching and hasn't relied on his profile as a former player to get work.

McCarthy's appointment as Cape Town City head coach last season raised some questions as to whether or not the former striker was ready, but he has since allayed those fears.

First the 39-year-old guided City to MTN8 success, before announcing he had completed the highest coaching qualification available.

Speaking to IOL website, he said: "It's nice that I'm a novice coach‚ but with the highest qualification out there.

"It is not to gloat‚ it is merely that I needed to go and educate myself.

"I needed to learn about a side of football that I did not know much about."

He added: "I put in the work and nobody can point fingers at me and say‚ 'yeah‚ all these ex-players think that because they played at a certain level and represented the country they are entitled to have a job lined up for them and they must be given an opportunity'.

"I never took anything for granted and I never asked for favours‚ I have always had to work hard for what I wanted and with this it is clear to see that I want to succeed.

"As a player I did one thing‚ as a coach now I needed to do this."

He further said: "Nobody can say nothing about me because I have got my qualification.

"But as much as I have the highest qualification in the game‚ I'm still learning and can still learn from every other coach."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE