Like Benni himself, Teko will answer the critics with a smile

NEW CAPE TOWN City coach Benni McCarthy has no doubt that new signing Teko Modise will be a major asset to the club.

Earlier this week, City signed 34-yearold Teko Modise from Mamelodi Sundowns, and McCarthy couldn’t contain his elation at having the opportunity to work with the former Bafana Bafana midfielder.

“Teko is one of the country’s iconic players,” he said. “He has been around the block and played at the highest level, even at the World Cup. He has been there, done that, and has numerous Bafana caps to his name. The team he played for previously is today the best in Africa, and that should tell you that City have signed a winner.

“The younger players, too, will be able to learn from Teko’s experience and professionalism. In addition to that, he has a football brain, nothing can take that away from him. So, as a coach, when you have an opportunity to sign a player of his calibre, you have to take it.

“There are, of course, critics who question Teko’s age and fitness. Well, when I was a player, I too experienced such questions. But I still came back and answered all my critics with a coke and a smile… Teko is in the same situation, but I think he, too, ALSO INSIDE: Berg River race, P30 British GP preview, P31 Froome loses yellow, P31 will answer them quite easily because he still has the fitness and the desire. I am delighted to have him in my squad.”

McCarthy, pictured, spoke with great enthusiasm and much satisfaction as he reflected on his first two weeks as a head coach. “Training has been very good,” he said. “The players have given me a lot more than I bargained for. The intensity was high and the quality very good.

“Last season, there were players who were regulars and they did well by finishing the season in third position. But those who were not too involved last season have given me more than I expected. Boy, am I going to have a tough time to pick a starting eleven. It’s going to be a headache.

“But, as a coach, it’s the best headache to have when players are working hard and fighting for positions. The commitment, the effort, I have been very impressed.”

City will do their pre-season in the Cape. He wants his players to know the local conditions inside out because he wants to make the Mother City a fortress.

“When opposition teams come here, they must know they are entering a war zone. They come here to participate, but they go home empty-handed. This is a destination for the opposition to come for sight-seeing, but not to win football matches.”