Benni McCarthy wants two Bafana stars in the UEFA Champions League
Benni McCarthy wants two Bafana Bafana stars to feature in the UEFA Champions League. He knows, he’s won it before.
Benni McCarthy backs two Bafana stars for the Champions League
Benni McCarthy believes Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana uo Ronwen Williams and Teboho Mokoena have the quality to represent top clubs in Europe’s elite club competition, the Champions League. 27-year-old midfield maestro Mokoena and 32-year-old goalkeeper and Bafana skipper Williams both have long-term deals with the Betway Premiership champions. Ironically, Mokoena has found himself in and out of Manqoba Mngqithi’s side in recent weeks. However, Williams continues to thrive and collect plaudits. He recently became the first African-based ‘keeper to be nominated for the Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d’Or awards. McCarthy, South Africa’s only ever UEFA Champions League winner, wants to see the Masandawana pair turn out for European sides soon.
Benni discusses Williams and Mokoena’s credentials
“Ronwen Williams, for starters,” he told SuperSport.
“I player that I like a lot, Teboho Mokoena from Sundowns. He’s also a player that got the attributes, ability to play in Europe, not in the [lower leagues], but in the Champions League.
“He’s got the potential, he’s got the ability to play at that level.
“I can name names but I don’t players to get ahead of themselves when you start naming names.
“The reason why I name Mokoena and Ronwen, because they’ve been consistent. Teboho, I remember at SuperSport, I said we’ve got a gem here and he’s just gone up, up, up.
“Now he’s at the pinnacle at Sundowns. They have been consistent performers and that’s what you need to succeed, to get to Europe.
“If they going to get there I don’t know. I’m not their coaches, their clubs. Clubs maybe don’t want to let go of their best assets, which is maybe rightfully so.
“There are more players out there, way more South African players where I’ve seen the ability, they can play in Europe, but when you see this interview you’re going to make sure you’re one of those players that I’m talking about.”
Benni is royalty
46-year-old Benni McCarthy is the first and only South African UEFA Champions League winner and has the likes of Celta Vigo, Ajax Amsterdam, Porto, Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United on his playing CV. Not too shabby.
“Having reportedly turned down a two-year contract from the Red Devils following the expiry of his deal in June, McCarthy is said to have tested the waters with a possible move to the MLS, while talk of a return to the DStv Premiership remained rife,” the report read on SoccerLaduma.
Is Mr McCarthy right?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or emailing info@thesouthafrican.com. You can also send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for your social fix.
