CAPE TOWN – He is arguably the best ever striker South African football has produced, and now he has begun his journey to coaching legend as well.
Benni McCarthy claimed his first title at the weekend as a head coach when Cape Town City came through 120 minutes of football with a goalless draw against SuperSport United, and won the penalty shoot-out 4-1 to clinch the MTN8.
It was the Citizens’ second trophy, having won the Telkom Knockout title in 2016, their first season in existence.
McCarthy took to social media on Tuesday to pay tribute to the environment at Cape Town City, particularly the families of the management.
“@CapeTownCityFC Happy Family Environment always makes for success in workplace. Technical Team wit Wife’s and Girlfriends. Thank you Guys for your HardWork & Friendship #MoretoCome” McCarthy tweeted.
It has been a particularly trying time of late for McCarthy, as his wife Stacey was hospitalised with a collapsed lung.
She is on the road to recovery, and the former Bafana Bafana marksman dedicated the MTN8 trophy to her in a post-match TV interview.
“I just want to say to my wife at home, this one is for her, because it’s been difficult. I was torn between doing my job and worrying about her at home,” McCarthy said.
“So Stacey, I hope you are watching at home and not jumping off the bed because we won this! I want you to recover well – I love you a lot.”
City are back on the pitch tonight at the Cape Town Stadium, where they will take on Gavin Hunt’s Wits in the Absa Premiership (7.30pm kickoff).
@CapeTownCityFC Happy Family Environment always makes for success in workplace. Technical Team wit Wife’s and Girlfriends. Thank you Guys for your HardWork & Friendship 🏆🙌🏽 #MoretoCome pic.twitter.com/kPSj9pyqxa