‘I don’t know if Benni McCarthy is right man for Pirates job’

Former Orlando Pirates assistant coach Momcilo Medic says his former employers must hire a coach with a compatible philosophy and mental toughness, adding that he was unsure if Benni McCarthy is a perfect fit for the job.

The Serb spoke to FARPost exclusively from his Burundi base when asked about his opinion on whether Pirates should go for the Bafana Bafana legend McCarthy or look for other options on the market.

“Benni McCarthy is a big name for South African football and it is an advantage for him. He is South African and that is another advantage, but to be the coach of Orlando Pirates is not easy. There is a lot pressure from everywhere. Pressure outside football and pressure inside football,” he said.

McCarthy’s name has been cited in some quarters as a possible candidate for the Pirates job alongside Pitso Mosimane who has parted ways with Al Ahly in Egypt. Pirates finished the just-ended season trophyless and have since released co-coach Fadlu Davids.

But Medic said only time would tell in the event that McCarthy gets the job.

“Maybe Benni McCarthy can take pressure easily. I don’t have an opinion about that. If they decide Benni McCarthy to be the coach, time is going to give a good answer on whether that is a good move or not,” he said.

The former Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila coach then explained what he thinks Pirates management should look for in the ideal candidate for the job.

“You don’t solve a problem by chasing coaches so easily. When you bring a new coach, you must give them enough time. It is not just about bringing a coach, it is about style. What is your style? What style do you want to play? If I play defensive football like [Jose Mourinho] and you have attacking ambition, then I am not for the job. These are the things they must look at in whoever they want to bring. I wish them good luck: once a Pirate, always a Pirate,” Medic said.

He was quick to stress that he was not interested in the Pirates job now buaat maybe in future, as he was content with Burundi’s Flambeau Du Centre FC who he earned the Primus League title last month.

The Serb missed a double narrowly after losing a Presidential Cup final to Aigle Noir FC last week in Burundi.

Medic served as the team’s assistant coach under compatriot Kostad Papic between 2004 and 2006 when they nearly won the Premier League title.

Medic went on to coach a number of clubs such as Royal Eagles and TTM in South Africa and elsewhere in Africa in countries such as Ghana.