Bafana legend Benni McCarthy won the UEFA Champions League. It was a winding road though for the former Orlando Pirates man who once worked under Jose Mourinho.
Benni McCarthy was a key player for Jose Mourinho
Jose Mourinho, the once self-proclaimed special one, made sure he signed Benni McCarthy watching the Bafana star in action for Celta Vigo in Spain. He watched Benni in the stands while he played for LaLiga side Celta Vigao, determined to sign the South African at any cost. He made the move official and the rest is history. Speaking of history, McCarthy is the first and only South African winner of the UEFA Champions League. He was a key figure in their run to the title, scoring a double in Porto’s 2-1 win over Man United in the Round of 16. They went on to vanquish Lyon, Deportivo La Coruna and Monaco toclaim the crown.
Reputation speaks for itself for an ex-Orlando Pirates man
Benni is Bafana’s all-time leading goal-scorer with 31 goals from 80 caps, and he’s the first and only South African footballer to win the UEFA Champions League. There is a certain status attached to an individual with these special accolades. 46-year-old McCarthy is the first and only South African UEFA Champions League winner and has the likes of Celta Vigo, Ajax Amsterdam, Porto, Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United on his playing CV. Not too shabby.
“Having reportedly turned down a two-year contract from the Red Devils following the expiry of his deal in June, McCarthy is said to have tested the waters with a possible move to the MLS, while talk of a return to the DStv Premiership remained rife,” the report read on SoccerLaduma.
Van Rooyen an upgrade on Monyane?
According toiDiski Times, Orlando Pirates have made an official bid to Stellenbosch for their skipper Deano van Rooyen.
Pirates want to bolster their options at the back with a player plus cash offer for Deano van Rooyen. The 27-year-old has been a rock-solid performer for Stellies, only missing nine league encounters in the last four completed campaigns. 111 appearances out of 120 shows how dependable and durable he is at this level. Pirates have Thabiso Monyane, Thabiso Lebitso and Bandile Shandu vying for the right-back spot.
Where should Benni take his career next?
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