Benni McCarthy arrives in South Africa, starts new job

Following extensive links with Mamelodi Sundowns, Benni McCarthy has returned to South Africa to assume his new job.

Oct 2, 2024 - 03:00
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Benni McCarthy arrives in South Africa, starts new job

Former Manchester United forwards coach Benni McCarthy has landed back in South Africa amid speculation on his future. 

McCarthy has recently been linked with a role at Mamelodi Sundowns, where Manqoba Mngqithi is currently at the helm. 

McCarthy had spent the past two seasons as part of Erik ten Hag’s backroom staff before being moved on. When the Dutchman survived for a third season, he brought in two of his compatriots in Ruud van Nilsterooy and Rene Hake. With van Nilsterooy a former striker, it is expected that he takes over the role McCarthy had. Since being deemed surplus to requirements, Bafana Bafana’s all time top goal scorer hasn’t foundd a new club. 

McCarthy linked with new job

This is despite the fact that McCarthy has been linked with gigs in Saudi Arabia, Major League Soccer. On the local front, it was rumoured that Sundowns had been keeping an eye on him. Reports even went as far as suggesting that they were willing to sanction a R2 million salary for the mentor. 

McCarthy has since arrived back in the country and started a new job. But that is not at Sundowns or any other local club. The former FC Porto star has been roped in by SuperSport to be one of their studio analysts for the UEFA Champions League. He remains the only South African to ever win the premier European competition, all the way back in 2004 with the Portuguese giants. 

Gets SuperSport gig

McCarthy hit the ground running, giving his expert opinion on the Tuesday evening fixtures in the competition. His agent as well as himself, will undoubtedly still be keeping their ears to the ground  for any top level coaching gigs. His former side AmaZulu have recently sacked Juan Pablo Martin. Could that be an option that could appeal to him and his handlers? 

Where do you think McCarthy should be coaching next? Feel free to leave your thoughts and feelings below.