AmaZulu FC president Sandile Zungu has joined South Africans in sending a special message to coach Benni McCarthy, who has joined Manchester United’s technical team.
The former Bafana Bafana striker left Usuthu in March after the team hit a slump in form. Reports were that Zungu and the all-time Bafana top scorer were no longer on good terms.
In jest, many have said his appointment by Red Devils to work alongside manager Erik Ten Hag as part of his backroom staff has been seen as a blessing in disguise for McCarthy. Many felt the Durban Side unfairly dismissed him after he led them to their first ever CAF Champions league in his first season. They finished second behind Mamelodi Sundowns.
However, Zungu, during the club’s 2022/23 season launch, began his speech by sending a message of support to his former coach with the belief that he would do well in his new job.
“Manchester United is the greatest brand in world football, it doesn’t get better than this, and as AmaZulu, we are very proud of coach Benni McCarthy. For him to be chosen is a huge thing,” Zungu told the media.
“We wish him all the best, and we are confident he will do well. We are very proud that we have given him the platform to showcase his capabilities. We know he will do well.”
He began the job that will see him work as an attacking players’ coach at the Reds. The former Cape Town City mentor will work with Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial.
McCarthy was a prolific striker during his heydays and inspired Portuguese side, FC Porto, to UEFA Champions League glory in 2004 under Jose Mourinho.
Ten Hag believes he has what it takes to add value to his team as he looks to rebuild the sleeping giant from Old Trafford. They kick off the season with a home tie against Brighton on Saturday.
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