I’d love to manage Bafana Bafana – Benni McCarthy

by Graeme Jackson

Wednesday Feb 12, 2020. 15:00

Benni McCarthy has explained that he “would definitely be interested” in managing the South African national team in the future.

The 42-year-old, who was last in charge of Cape Town City before being axed from the position earlier this season, was among the candidates to replace Stuart Baxter when the Englishman parted ways with the South African Football Association (SAFA) in the wake of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

However, former assistant coach Molefi Ntseki was handed the job, first in a caretaker role before being assigned as permanent boss of Bafana Bafana.

McCarthy, who still holds Bafana’s all time scoring record of 31 goals, would be tempted by the national team because of the opportunities to be a part of World Cups and AFCONs.

“If the Bafana offer came up one day, I would definitely be interested,” McCarthy told BBC Sport.

“Which coach or manager wouldn’t be interested in being the head coach of his country?” he asked.

“The national job is the biggest job for any football coach – your country’s fate lies in your hands, you have the chance to guide the team to World Cups, to win the Africa Cup of Nations – it’s huge.”

He added that his motivation for now is to help groom young players into the stars of tomorrow.

“I think one day, in the near future, that would be my aim but for now I am more interested in working with players on a day-to-day basis,” explained the former Porto and Blackburn Rovers forward.

“I like to work hands-on with the players every single day. I want to see them grow, improve, challenge themselves and become better footballers.”