Bafana icon Mark Fish tips Benni McCarthy for more success after Manchester United exit

FILE - Benni McCarthy has reportedly left Manchester United after spending two years as a member of Erik ten Hag’s back room staff. Photo: Phando Jikelo/Independent Newspapers

FILE - Benni McCarthy has reportedly left Manchester United after spending two years as a member of Erik ten Hag’s back room staff. Photo: Phando Jikelo/Independent Newspapers

Published Jul 11, 2024

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Following Benni McCarthy's departure from Manchester United, where he was a member of Erik ten Hag's back room staff, former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates defender Mark Fish has tipped him to do well wherever he goes.

The 50-year-old Fish said McCarthy, who reportedly turned down a contract extension at the Red Devils because of his desire to be a head coach again, should have no issues being successful anywhere in the world.

"He’s been great everywhere he’s been, and he will be great everywhere he goes," Fish told Responsible Gambling.

Before taking up his role as a forwards coach at United, McCarthy had a relatively successful career as head coach, having led Cape Town City to MTN 8 glory back in 2018, and also guided KwaZulu-Natal based outfit AmaZulu to their highest ever finish in the DStv Premiership.

During his two-year stint as the forwards coach at United, McCarthy received a lot of praise for helping striker Marcus Rashford regain his form, and was also said to be a popular figure among the players at the club.

Fish, who was part of the 1996 Bafana side that won the Africa Cup of Nations, added that McCarthy was an inspiration to many upcoming players and coaches who one day dream of playing and coaching in some of Europe's top leagues.

"He’s an inspiration to all upcoming coaches and players who aspire to maybe play in Europe someday or coach," Fish added.

The former South African international also touched on the recent success of Bafana Bafana saying that he was excited by the new-look Bafana.

"I am excited by the new Bafana but I’m also hopeful that this is a turn of the corner and this new generation can take South Africa to the next level."

Under Belgian coach Hugo Broos, the South African national team have been a formidable side and earned a bronze medal at the Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d'Ivoire earlier this year.

IOL Sport