Benni McCarthy: From Hanover Park to Old Trafford [photos]

Mzansi’s soccer hero Benni McCarthy has risen from humbling beginnings from his home in Hanover Park to now coaching one of the world’s most popular teams, Manchester United.

With a career spanning over three decades, the 46-year-old has been praised for his work in the Premier League club. Benni joined the team in July 2022 as a first-team coach.

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BENNI MCCARTHY TAKES MANCHESTER UNITED

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.”

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.

PLAYING CAREER

Here’s a brief look at his stint in professional football.

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.

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: daughter Lima and son Lio.

Benni is also dad to three other daughters: Mina, Mya, and Allegra, with Spanish ex-wife Maria Santos.

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