Cape Town City have appointed Benni McCarthy as the club’s new head coach as they prepare for the 2017-18 season.

McCarthy, who succeeds former coach Eric Tinkler, has signed a three-year contract with the Citizens.

The former Orlando Pirates striker flew to the Mother City over the weekend to finalise negotiations with City chairman John Comitis, who lost Tinkler the week before to PSL rivals SuperSport United.

This is McCarthy’s first head coach role in his professional career. He says he is humbled by the faith the club has shown in him and relishing the chance to prove his worth at the club.

‘I know the targets that I want, and that I’ve set for myself… Finishing third was incredible and is a perfect platform for me,’ McCarthy said at his unveiling. ‘I’m grateful that my first opportunity is with my hometown club.’

The 39-year-old notably scored a record 32 goals for the South Africa national team and won the Champions League with FC Porto in 2004 under manager Jose Mourinho.

McCarthy has a Uefa A coaching license and started his managerial career as an assistant coach with the Belgian side Sint-Truiden VV.