Benni McCarthy: Harambee Stars boss slammed after claiming South Africa players are ambitionless

Published 1 month ago• 3 minute read

coach was appointed as Harambee Stars manager at the beginning of March.

So far, the South African international has overseen two crucial matches for the Kenyan national team, against Gambia and Gabon.

In an interview with NTV, McCarthy discussed the state of South African football, stating that while South Africa is a country full of talent, the players' ambition is very low.

"South Africa is an extremely talented country with players who pop up from everywhere, but their ambition is very low," McCarthy said.

The former Blackburn Rovers star explained that when he was growing up in South Africa, his ambition was to play for United, and he worked extremely hard to achieve that.

"When I was growing up in South Africa, my goal was to play for Manchester United. I made a commitment to work as hard as possible to achieve that, and if I couldn’t make it, I would aim to play against them instead."

McCarthy added that if he didn't make it to United, he would still aim to play against them, which he considered a significant level just below his ultimate goal.

The ex-Orlando Pirates went on to say that while South African players possess exceptional talent and have the potential to succeed, many are content staying within the country.

He pointed out that they are unwilling to move beyond their comfort zones, which he sees as a form of underselling themselves.

"They don’t want to move because they are in their comfort zone, and for me, that is underselling yourself because to be the best, you have to play against the best."

Patrick Shepard reacted,

"He does not know what he is talking about. Players display their talents, that does not require you to be at a certain venue, but whether there is a platform for you to display. South African players have the platform in their country, so why stress about Europe? They do not want to subject themselves to racism like other Countries. All other players from different countries are angry as a result of the treatment they get in foreign countries, which is why they always fight or bite other players in the field of play. You get that?"

Beth Mark said,

"He should be encouraging Kenyan players where he is currently employed, yes, going to Europe might be great, but we are investing in Africa to make Africa great again."

Luvuyo Yabo said,

"This one must focus more on his duties as Harambee Stars coach. Two matches, zero wins, that's why he should worry more, if those European teams keep on undermining our players and come up with nonsensical offers, these players are going nowhere."

Nathi Nkosinathi remarked,

"Ask him did he tried South African players to make trials while he was at Manchester United. anyway, SA lig is growing each and every season plus Mr. Motsepe is making sure football in Africa is growing."