Benni McCarthy has long been hailed as one of the greatest footballers South Africa has ever produced.
Best known for his explosive performances as a goal-scoring forward for both club and country, he made an indelible mark on the world stage.
But after hanging up his boots, what has the legendary former Bafana Bafana star been up to?
Benni McCarthy’s Coaching Journey
Benni McCarthy’s coaching career started in Belgium, where he took on the role of assistant coach at Sint-Truiden from 2015 to 2016.
From there, he continued to build his reputation, landing a head coaching role at Cape Town City.
Overseeing 89 matches, Benni led the team to an MTN 8 victory in the 2018-2019 season.
Following his success in Cape Town, McCarthy moved on to AmaZulu, where he made history by guiding the club to their first-ever appearance in the CAF Champions League.
This achievement marked a significant milestone in his coaching career and set him up for even bigger challenges.
Benni’s career trajectory then took an exciting turn when he joined Manchester United as their first-team attacking coach.
Under his guidance, the team secured the 2023-2024 FA Cup, adding another prestigious title to McCarthy’s growing list of accomplishments.
But now, he’s embraced his most prominent role yet, as the head coach of the Kenya National Football Team.
The Harambee Stars will soon face Gambia in a crucial World Cup qualifying match on 20 March 2025, showcasing McCarthy’s continued rise in the coaching world.
Benni McCarthy: The Player Behind the Legend
Benni McCarthy’s football journey began in his hometown of Cape Town, where he grew up in the tough neighborhood of Hanover Park.
Over the years, McCarthy has earned recognition as one of South Africa’s most decorated players.
He is the only South African to have won the prestigious UEFA Champions League, cementing his place in the annals of football history.
In addition to his Champions League victory with FC Porto, McCarthy also clinched domestic league titles in Portugal, the Netherlands, and South Africa, further establishing his legacy.
With 31 goals in 80 appearances for Bafana Bafana, McCarthy remains the national team’s all-time leading scorer.
McCarthy’s playing career took him to Europe, where he played for top clubs like Ajax, Celta Vigo, FC Porto, Blackburn Rovers, and West Ham United.
His time in the English Premier League was particularly fruitful, with an outstanding 18 goals in the 2006-07 season for Blackburn, finishing just behind Cristiano Ronaldo as the second-top scorer.
A Multi-Lingual Football Legend
Aside from his footballing talents, McCarthy is known for his linguistic abilities.
He is fluent in four languages: English, Spanish, Dutch, and Portuguese, which has undoubtedly helped him navigate his career across different countries and cultures.
After his remarkable run with AmaZulu, Benni received an affectionate nickname from the Zulu community: “Mr Benni Makathini, Zulu Warrior.”
This honor speaks to the respect he earned not only as a coach but also as a person who embraced and celebrated the diversity of South African culture.
Is Benni McCarthy the Greatest South African Player of All Time?
While the debate over South Africa’s greatest footballer will continue, there’s no doubt that Benni McCarthy’s contributions to both club and national football place him at the very top.
From his days at Orlando Pirates to his incredible international success, McCarthy has left an enduring legacy.
Now, as he steps into the world of coaching, it’s clear that his passion for football remains as strong as ever.