Benni McCarthy, after departing Manchester United, has stated his desire to return to the African continent as a head coach.
McCarthy, who served as a striker coach under Erik ten Hag for two seasons, is now open to new opportunities following his exit from the English club.
The former South African international and Blackburn Rovers player revealed in an interview with CNN Sports that he is eager to take on the role of head coach for a prominent African team.
He imagines guiding such a team to success, including reaching the Fifa Club World Cup final.
Media reports are linking McCarthy to a potential role at Mamelodi Sundowns, as the club undergoes a restructuring of its technical team.
The 46-year-old who holds the record as Bafana Bafana’s all-time leading goal scorer, believes that leading a top African club would be an exciting challenge and a significant step in his managerial career.
“After leaving United I think that passion for wanting to be a head coach again brewed through and I think that is the next step for me,” McCarthy said.
“Whether to go back to Africa like to manage one of the big teams, the important team with the knowledge I’ve gained, that would be amazing to manage a team on the continent and then try to make them a powerhouse in African football and also reach a final when you play in the Club World Cup that would be the aim to do that.”
The former Orlando Pirates striker has also expressed interest in potentially pursuing a coaching opportunity in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States. He added that he finds MLS to be one of the more intriguing leagues.
“The MLS interests me a lot of opportunities like that I would welcome because I think I’ve got what it takes to manage there.
“To make players better and to help teams achieve goals that they’ve maybe not achieved in last few years with the clubs it’s just about getting the opportunity.”
Former Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy thinks the Red Devils can qualify for Champions League this season: https://t.co/AQ0ccEBoTp #Barclaysmen pic.twitter.com/6YBBHHFFEm
— CNN Sports (@cnnsport) September 13, 2024
