Much like his football career, Benni McCarthy’s coaching career has taken off quite nicely. Last season the former Porto and Ajax forward led AmaZulu to second place in the DSTV Premiership.
Amazulu has not enjoyed a stellar start to the new season. They have, however, managed to progress to the group stage of the CAF Champions League.
His performance so far has drawn accolades from many, with some tipping him for greater things in the future. His highest commendation yet has come from former Bafana Bafana coach Clive Barker. He praised Benni’s achievements and described him as the next best Bafana coach in the DSTV Premiership.
In his second season as coach, McCarthy with Cape Town City lifted the MTN8 trophy sending signals to the football community that he belongs in the class of the special ones.
Barker, who led Bafana Bafana to the 1996 AFCON triumph in South Africa, said McCarthy is developing fast and set to be the next best South African coach.
Speaking in an interview, Barker said Benni was a great player, and he is turning out to be a first-class coach. Amazulu got a great result away from home in the Champions League, which Barker has praised, describing Congo as a difficult place to earn points.
He also called for respect for Benni, following the results he has gotten. He said as a local boy Benni is deserving of respect as he always gets the results. He declared that no one can take away Benni’s achievements in the game.
Barker believes that McCarthy draws a lot from his experience of playing under the best coaches in the world, and for him, it sets the young manager apart.
“It helps a lot, having played for names such as Jose Mourinho and in the Premier League,” Barker added.
“Also because of the goals he scored in his career, players can easily relate to him, hence at the moment, he is on top of his game.”