Benni McCarthy has spoken out about missing out on the chance to become Kaizer Chiefs’ head coach last summer, before Nasreddine Nabi was appointed. The former Manchester United assistant coach was one of the South African managers linked with the vacant position, but he was ultimately overlooked in favor of the Tunisian tactician.
McCarthy, whose contract with United expired at the end of the previous season, explained why he was not considered for the job despite being out of work at the time. The Bafana Bafana legend revealed that he was given the opportunity to take over at Chiefs, but despite public and media calls for him to step in, he never received a call from the club’s board.
Reflecting on the missed opportunity, McCarthy said, “I just feel that if we never get the chance to mix with the best coaches in the world, we’ll never know if there’s an African coach with the same potential as a Pep Guardiola.” He went on to express his frustration, stating, “I don’t feel like it’s me not wanting to coach big teams. If that were the case, I wouldn’t have pursued the opportunity when coach Gavin Hunt left Chiefs. And just before Nabi, there was another chance, with calls from everyone, but I never got a call for whatever reason.”
McCarthy’s comments highlight the challenges faced by African coaches in getting the opportunities to manage top clubs, despite their abilities. Meanwhile, Nabi, who took over the role at Chiefs, has distanced himself from comparisons with former Manchester United manager José Mourinho, following criticism of his tactics after a loss to Polokwane City.
