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PRIDE AT STAKE FOR BENNI

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Cape Town City mentor Benni McCarthy
Cape Town City mentor Benni McCarthy
Gallo Images

IT’S always difficult for players to resist the lure of the big bucks.

After all, professional football is as much about passion as it is about earning one’s keep.

It’s the reality that Benni McCarthy has come to accept since he became Cape Town City FC head coach, seeing key members of his squad leave.

Midfielders Lebogang Manyama, Aubrey Ngoma and marksman Lehlohonolo Majoro have already left and inspirational skipper, Robyn Johannes, is also on his way out.

In their places, McCarthy has brought in Kwanda Mngonyama and unknowns Masoud Juma and Bradley Ralani.

“When money makes the massive difference you really can’t sway the player, if they can earn more elsewhere,” said McCarthy.

“When you are competing with bigger offers it becomes quite tough. 

“But I think most of the time I’m exceptionally happy because I have players who want to learn, grow and to achieve. 

“The majority of them seem to be content not to be earning big bucks, yet growing in stature, making names for themselves and helping Cape Town City to be a recognised force in the league, rubbing shoulders and competing against the best for major honours.”

The former Bafana Bafana striker will be chasing his maiden trophy as coach in the Nedbank Cup, having fallen short in the MTN8 Cup final in his debut season as head coach.

They have been drawn against Bidvest Wits in the Last 32 round, yet another clash between McCarthy and his master Gavin Hunt on the cards.

But he is concerned about more withdrawals, which could affect the balance of his squad.

“It’s good that I have players with an ambition, but the better they become the more difficult it’s going to be for us to keep them,” admitted McCarthy.

“Already rumour has it that few of my players are on the radar of the big clubs. 

“But what can you do, except to continue and feel proud that they do the hard work and keep getting better. 

“That is why bigger clubs are sniffing around. But it’s part of the game.”

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