South Africa’s Benni McCarthy has had an illustrious career as a soccer star – and now coach to one of the world’s most popular teams, Manchester United – spanning almost three decades.
The 45-year-old was this week honoured for his contribution to the club at the Manchester United annual awards ceremony. Benni joined the team in July 2022 as a first-team coach.
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BENNI MCCARTHY, THE COACH
Before coaching Manchester United, Benni also trained SA teams AmaZulu and Cape Town City. He was also recently rumoured to be joining the ranks of his alma mater team Orlando Pirates.
Of his job at his “dream club,” Benni told MUTV: “I am delighted to be here, and I hope to make a real difference to United this season.”
Images via Instagram: @manchesterunited
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He added: “There is no bigger stage than this. To be here is a privilege, and the smallest chance that these players get should be grabbed with both hands”.
Before being praised for his work coaching the boys at Manchester United, Benni McCarthy was a star player in his own right.
THE PLAYER IN PICTURES
Here’s a brief look at his stint in professional football.
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Ajax
After playing at local clubs Seven Stars and Cape Town Spurs, a young Benni played in the Netherlands club from 1997- 1999.
Celta Vigo
Benni played for the Spanish team from 1999-2002
Porto
Benni then moved on to Porto, where he played between 2002 -2006.
Blackburn Rovers
Benni played for the English side from 2006 -2010.
Westham United
Benni played just one year in the English Premier League from 2010 -2011.
Photo by BEN STANSALL / AFP
Orlando Pirates
After spending more than a decade in international leagues, Benni signed with the Buccaneers in 2011.
He retired from professional soccer at age 35 in 2013.
National team
Benni McCarthy played for Bafana Bafana from 1997 until his retirement in 2013.
He played in two World Cups, 1998 and 2002.
TKZee family
Benni McCarthy made his music debut in the TKZee track Shibobo in 1998.
The soccer-themed song was released in the run-up to the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France.
Wedded bliss
Benni married Scottish model Stacey Munro in May 2014. The couple have two children: 10-year-old daughter Lima and two-year-old son Lio.
Benni is also dad to three other daughters: Mina, Mya, and Allegra, with Spanish ex-wife Maria Santos.
