FILE - Former Manchester United first team coach Benni McCarthy has been linked with a coaching role at Mamelodi Sundowns or in the MLS FILE - Former Manchester United first team coach Benni McCarthy has been linked with a coaching role at Mamelodi Sundowns or in the MLS. Photo: Oli Scarff/AFP
Former Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy is open to returning to Africa, or taking up a job in the US in Major League Soccer.
The former Bafana Bafana star left United at the end of last season after two years as a member of Erik ten Hag’s backroom staff.
McCarthy, a former Cape Town City and AmaZulu head coach, has always been open about his desire to return to management, and said in an interview with CNN Sports that was his next step in the game.
“I think, of course, it’s clear the fact that after leaving United, I think that passion for wanting to be a head coach again, that brewed through, and I think that is the next step for me,” Bafana’s all-time top goalscorer said.
“So, whether it’s to go back to Africa, the African continent, to manage one of the big teams, the important teams, with the knowledge that I’ve gained, I think, yeah, that would be amazing, to manage a team on the continent and then trying to make them also one of the powerhouses in African football,” said McCarthy.
“But also, to try and achieve, as to reach a final when you play in the Club World Cup.
“That would be the aim, to do that, or even the MLS interests me a lot. Opportunities like that, I would welcome, because I think I’ve got what it takes to manage there, to make players better and to help teams achieve goals that they’ve maybe not achieved in last few years with their clubs.
“It’s just about getting the opportunity.”
According to reports, McCarthy has held talks with Mamelodi Sundowns, who have recently promoted Manqoba Mngqithi to the position of head coach following Rulani Mokwena’s departure.
Sundowns crashed out of the MTN 8 after they were defeated by Stellenbosch FC earlier this month, leading to speculation that Mngqithi, who has been a long-time servant, could be replaced if results continue to be shaky.
There will be lots of pressure on Mngqithi to deliver the goods, as the likes of Orlando Pirates, look to end Sundowns’ dominance in the Betway Premiership.
On McCarthy, the KickOff publication also report that a number of MLS clubs have made contact enquiring about the coaches services.
McCarthy recently served as Man United coach Erik ten Hag’s coach before his contract ended at the end of last season.
Where should Benni McCarthy go next?
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