Benni: It’s important to take risks at right time
CAPE TOWN CITY coach Benni McCarthy enjoyed many big, illustrious occasions as a player. The experiences are too many to list, but the include a sought-after Uefa Champions League winner’s medal with Porto.
But now, when City take on SuperSport United in the climax of the MTN8 at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday (7pm kickoff), it will be McCarthy’s first Cup final as a coach. Is he feeling a little apprehensive?
“To be honest, no, there are no nerves yet,” he said. “I suppose when Friday comes, it will eventually hit me. But, for now, it’s just important that I prepare the team properly. It’s just a game of football, like any other, and it’s important not to treat it any differently.”
City’s sensational impact on the local football landscape has hinged on teamwork. There’s a fantastic team ethic, together with an almost adhesive spirit of unity, upon which their success has been built.
Only established as a PSL club in June last year, City will be lining up for their second Cup final on Saturday, and McCarthy has no plans to ditch the tried and tested winning formula.
“Both teams have good individuals in their squads,” said McCarthy. “But, for us, this is, like always, about the team. It will be important that we work hard together, and that we fight together. It’s a one-off, and it will be all about who turns up on the day wanting it more. I believe the team that makes the least mistakes will emerge as the winner. Yes, you have to take risks at some stage if you want to win, but it’s important to risk at the right time.
“The international break has been good. It has allowed us to keep bonding, the preparation has been good, and the players certainly don’t look nervous at all.”
McCarthy has sent a strong yet positive message to his players ahead of Saturday’s final. As far as he is concerned, this is not about him; more importantly, it’s about the success of the team and the accolades for the club.
“I am as keen to win this game as I am about winning any other football game,” said the former Bafana Bafana striker. “I’ve emphasised to the players about having a winning mentality. I’ve told them about the importance of starting well on Saturday, and about how this game can put their names on the map, and how they can write their name in the history books.
“This club is not yet two years old, but look at what it has achieved. Last season, they finished third and won the Telkom Knockout Cup. This season, we’ve started well and are already in another Cup final. That is a remarkable history, and surely, as players, they want to be part of making that history a successful one.”
McCarthy, though, admits he has a concern; as a coach, however, it’s a good concern. Right now, he is suffering from a major headache – and he expects it to get even worse as the days tick down to the final. And it is selection that is at the root of the City coach’s migraine.
With Roland Putsche and Thami Mkhize given the green light from the club’s medical staff, McCarthy, except for the injured Aubrey Ngoma, has everybody available for selection.
Putsche missed City’s last two games, but has recovered and is fit and well. Mkhize picked up a knock on his Bafana debut against Burkina Faso at the weekend. He, too, though, has a green light to take his place in the Cup final.
“I’m having headaches just in selecting the 18 players to make the squad, let alone the 11 who have to start the game,” said McCarthy. “Some players are going to be disappointed, but that’s the nature of the game. I have to pick the 11 who I believe deserve to wear the jersey for the team, the club and the supporters.
“The players have stepped up the intensity at training this week, in a bid to make the squad, and now it’s up to me to make good, positive decisions that benefit the team.”