Benni to strike – yet again
Ex-player with the Midas touch aims for MTN8 coup
BENNI McCarthy says he will be taking calculated risks in today’s MTN8 decider against SuperSport United in Durban as he seeks a first piece of silverware just months into his head coaching career.
McCarthy won 14 trophies as a player‚ including the Uefa Champions League‚ and found much success on the pitch.
He is now hoping that Midas touch translates to coaching as well and has called on his side to be bold in what looks an even contest against SuperSport at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. “We have to take risks at times‚ but also be as disciplined as we can be too‚” said McCarthy.
“But I think what goes a long way when you look at the qualities of the two teams is that they have very good individual talents‚ but it is also about how well you work as a team,” he said.
“That will probably ultimately decide which side comes out on top‚ I believe. The team that works together‚ fights together and runs for each other‚ they are the ones that are likely to win.
“I keep telling the guys: ‘It’s a oneoff game‚ if you turn up on the day‚ if you want it more‚ if you run harder than them‚ then you give yourself an opportunity [to win]’.”
McCarthy has revealed that rightback Thamsanqa Mkhize and captain Robyn Johannes are both fit to play after returning from national duty and, that the latter in particular, could play a crucial role in the final.
“Robyn is fine‚ he is very experienced and knows these opportunities don’t come often. He knows how hard the team will have to work to try and win. I am happy he is back [from Bafana Bafana duty] and 100% fit‚” the coach said. McCarthy added that he was not aware of any incentives dangled in front of the players by City owner John Comitis.
“I believe the chairman likes to make little secret agreements with the players‚ but as for the coaching staff‚ I don’t know anything.
“If the players have got any incentives‚ I don’t know about them. For me it is a final and a game that I hope we will pitch up in and fight to win‚” he said.
The former Bafana striking ace has also called on his players to seize the moment and make it two cup final wins from two for the fledgling club‚ who defeated SuperSport in the Telkom Knockout final last season.
“You have to have that winning mentality‚ to start well and write your name in history. This is history for the club.
“They are two years old‚ finished third in the league last season‚ won the Telkom Knockout and already in the first final of the [new] season.
“When you take this job there is nothing better than coaching a bunch of players to reach a final. It is the joys you get from being a manager. Get yourself into a final and avoid getting the chop!” a relaxed McCarthy said with a laugh. — DDC