CAPE TOWN CITY coach, Benni McCarthy, has lambasted South African football club owners for snubbing local young coaches.
This has been one of the main topics in South African football where clubs opt for foreign coaches instead of promoting former players, who are keen on venturing into professional coaching.
Some succeeded and others failed to prove their mettle.
McCarthy ventured into coaching last year, after having gone through relevant coaching courses overseas.
Cape Town City FC chairman, John Comitis, took the risk with him after Eric Tinkler, another successful ex-player-turned-coach, left The Citizens for SuperSport United.
Following his team’s qualification to the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals after a 1-0 win over Orlando Pirates at the Cape Town Stadium midweek, McCarthy shared his opinion about the snubbing of ex-players.
“People don’t believe that former players have the capability to become head coaches,” said McCarthy.
“This has been a classy season for me. But they don’t trust us to think that we can go out there and do it. They prefer the merry-go-round of coaches.
“It takes a lot of courage for a guy to take the risk. Prior to that, you saw the likes of Shaun Bartlett who tried and failed, but now people don’t want to take a chance any more.”
McCarthy also made an example of Maritzburg United coach Fadlu Davids, who is now a success with Farouk Kadodia’s side and Pitso Mosimane, who is a success story with Mamelodi Sundowns.
Said McCarthy: “Fadlu has been there. Chairmen take coaches with experience. This is my first time ever in the hot seat, so a lot of mistakes can be expected from me,” said the all-time Bafana Bafana goal-scorer.
“We’re still in the top eight and that’s not a bad start for a local young coach. I’m learning and it’ll get better.”
