SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt has congratulated his football ‘son’ Benni McCarthy for being appointed Manchester United first-team coach, saying he is a phone call away in case the Bafana Bafana star needs a piece of advice in his new job.
Hunt is credited with thrusting a then-young McCarthy onto the limelight after managing him at Seven Stars in Cape Town in the mid-1990s.
Unsurprisingly, after United announced the hiring of McCarthy, the ex-Wits boss could not hold his excitement.
“Unbelievably proud of @bennimccarthy17…you’ve come so far, my son. Sending you all guidance and love. Always a phone call away,” Hunt tweeted via @gavinhunt12
The former AmaZulu trainer last year recalled fondly that Hunt was behind the successful football career that took him all over Europe.
“I was a player under his guidance before I moved to Europe. He has been a very special and influential person in my football career,” McCarthy told the press in South Africa last year.
The former Porto striker’s former Bafana Bafana teammate, Steven Pienaar, has also congratulated the newly-appointed United first-team coach.
“Congrats broer @bennimccarthy17…so proud of you,” the former Everton star said via tweeter.
Other South African high-profile figures who have congratulated McCarthy include Pitso Mosimane, Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis and goalkeeper Ayanda Dlamini.
Ellis tweeted at @descaptain: “Congratulations
@bennimccarthy17…all the best in this exciting new adventure #legend #HanoverParkrocks.”
Dlamini chipped in, saying: “I am so happy for you, coach Benni, may the good lord make you and your entire team successful !!!! You are greatness.”
United new boss Erik ten Hag has surprised the football world by hiring the Bafana Bafana all-time leading scorer whose only coaching experience was at Cape Town City and AmaZulu in South Africa.
The former Orlando Pirates striker will be drilling the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo on attacking and positioning at United.
McCarthy holds the UEFA Pro Licence, and his last coaching job was at AmaZulu last season.
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