Former Orlando Pirates forward Benni McCarthy admits he has always been a Kaizer Chiefs supporter and will be open to coaching the Soweto giants.

The former Bafana Bafana international striker has been out of a job since he was sacked by Cape Town City following a horrid run of form which had them slip into a relegation battle.

With Chiefs announcing the sacking of Ernst Middendorp on Wednesday evening, rumours have begun to swirl on who will be next to take the hotseat at Naturena.

Despite his affiliation to the Black and White side of Soweto, McCarthy admitted to MarawTV that he has always had a soft spot for Amakhosi and is itching to get back into coaching.

“I am itching [to come back to coaching]. This lockdown makes you realise how much you miss being on the touchline. I am raring to go if given the opportunity.

“Yes, of course [I have thought about coming back to South Africa]. My first priority will always be back home because the country needs fixing.

“We are sitting on a crisis which we do not know how to fix, like the national team is suffering. Teams are doing well but we can’t seem to get it right when it comes to Bafana.

“If you are in coaching you improve so many players. I was able to improve a lot of players at Cape Town City. I boosted their national team opportunities, so yes, I want to get back working and get myself in. I want to get South Africa where it belongs by improving players.

“As a kid growing up I have always been a Chiefs supporter, so yes [I would consider coaching Chiefs]. I have a soft spot for Kaizer Chiefs in my heart.

“Together with Manchester United, those were my two ‘loves’ when it comes to football. And then I had the privilege and honour to play for Orlando Pirates at the later stages of my career and I had an amazing time there. The team did exceptionally well under the circumstances and we won the treble.

“So two of the greatest teams in South Africa and I have been a part of. One as a supporter and the other one I have been fortunate enough to play for. Two great teams that I think any coach including coach Pitso [Mosimane]. If he gets an opportunity to manage Pirates or Chiefs, he would take it in a heartbeat because South African football is Orlando Pirates and Kaizer.”

Gavin Hunt, however, seems the likeliest candidate for now to replace Middendorp.

Asked if he would be comfortable to take up a job as an assistant coach to Hunt, McCarthy responded: “You’re trying to say to me that Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho can work together. How is that going to work?”