Benni McCarthy reveals half-time talk in Wits triumph

by Graeme Jackson

Monday Mar 04, 2019. 13:00

Cape Town City coach Benni McCarthy has revealed how he inspired his side’s come-from-behind 3-2 win away to Bidvest Wits this past weekend.

The Citizens found themselves 2-0 down at the break in Johannesburg on Saturday night, but they mounted a brilliant comeback in the second half to secure a victory which brings them onto the fringes of the title race and severely dented the Clever Boys’ hopes of a second championship in three seasons.

Kermit Erasmus and Surprise Ralani brought City level, before Riyaad Norodien scored a screamer direct from a free kick for the decisive goal.

“We’re not in the business of dropping our heads. There are hundreds of hungry players – free agents – that are dying for this opportunity [to play for City],” said McCarthy in regards to his half-time team talk.

“That’s what I said to them at half-time. There are hundreds of players out there, if they don’t feel up to the task of competing and fighting.

“Because, if you want to be in the top four, top three, top two or win the bloody league, you’ve got to compete – nobody’s going to hand it over to you.

“And at that stage we weren’t looking like a team that is in the top four and out there to compete, and that’s really all [I said at half-time].”

The former Bafana Bafana striker added: “I wanted them to stick to our tactics that we discussed [before the game] but we needed to match [Wits], winning second balls and compete a little because it was far too easy for them.

“And the minute we started doing that, I think the belief grew and they started playing with their quality – we get one, two and that third goal was [worthy] of winning any game.”