Following Cape Town City’s sacking of Benni McCarthy, SoccerClub looks back at his top 10 most-memorable quotes.
The Citizens shockingly announced during the early hours of Monday morning that they have terminated McCarthy’s contract with immediate effect.
The 41-year-old has had a poor run of results during the 2019-20 campaign, with his side claiming two wins from 18 matches across all competitions and being winless in their last nine matches.
City’s assistant coach Vasili Manousakis has taken over the helm as caretaking coach as the club goes in search of a new head coach.
Here are 10 memorable quotes from Benni McCarthy:
1) McCarthy compares Kaizer Chiefs to Premier League side Burnley
‘When you do so well up until then, then you switch off – and we said, “Kaizer Chiefs is no different than anyone else, don’t get fazed by the name …”‘
2) Benni wanting to beat Gavin Hunt for a fifth time
‘I’ve given him four … four hidings so far. A fifth one, I think, is highly possible. We are going to go out there and play.’
3) Benni hits back at Zungu’s comments
‘Wow didn’t expect u to have so little class my man @BonganiZungu08 disrespectful to coach Pitso for building your career so that you can succeed in Europe …’
4) Benni on the referee’s decision-making against Kaizer Chiefs
‘They [referees] all look nice, with their OUTsurance kit. But that was the best thing about the performance out there, the beautiful green-and-purple kit.’
5) McCarthy compares Lebo Mothiba to Shaun Bartlet
‘He’s got a big move in him. I think he’s very Shaun Bartlett-like in terms of his stature. He’s very quick, strong, and he’s just doing what he’s doing and been exceptional.’
6) McCarthy writes a scathing open letter to CT City
‘It is a dark day for football. I’ve been away from Cape Town for 21 years and while so much has changed, nothing has changed.’
7) Benni apologises for his emotional reaction
‘But I’m one of those guys … I always say a team is a reflection of its manager. I’m a passionate guy from Cape Town, and if people want to bully my players, I’m the first one to stand up for them.’
8) Benni gives his thoughts on the standard of PSL referees
‘But I say this every week now‚ since I’ve started my coaching career. Every game I’ve not been happy with the referees with their decision-making, when you score legitimate goals and then it gets disallowed without even giving the coaches an explanation on why.’
9) Benni comments on Ayanda Patosi’s below-par performance
‘I’d knock my head against a wall if I play s***, if I know I deserved to come off after 20 minutes.’
10) Benni on his mindset not being on Bafana
‘I just want to concentrate on me and my coaching staff‚ and us trying to get things right to get us to where we should be. Anything that happens after that … But my mindset is not on Bafana, I’m afraid. Not even close.’