Benni’s mind games? Bafana icon claims Pitso has everything

Bafana legend Benni McCarthy has embraced the underdog tag as he leads his Kenyan team against Pitso Mosimane’s side

South Africa will face Kenya in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday evening looking to make it three straight wins to move closer to qualifying.

However, McCarthy, whose Harambee Stars have drawn one and lost the other of their two qualifiers, is promising a tough time for South Africa although he admits his team have little chance.

Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane. Image: SAFA Media

“Coach Pitso has always had the upper hand,” he said, explaining the difference between his position and that of Mosimane.

Has Pitso always got the best of everything?

“He has always been at places that had infrastructure and the best of everything. For me as a young coach, I always try to give my best and stay true to myself and go out there, try to play the best way that I can that can make it difficult for whoever you are up against.”

Benni McCarthy celebrates a win during CHAN 2024. Photo – Imago

The Bafana legend agrees South Africa are overwhelming favourites but he is unfazed, using the Biblical story of David and Goliath to explain why he could turn the tables on Mosimane.

“Sometimes we are fortunate and on other occasions we are not,” added South Africa’s all-time top scorer.

“Tomorrow is another one of those cases, it is David vs Goliath and unfortunately, I am always David, I’m never Goliath,” he stated.

Benni McCarthy who is the Kenya head coach. Photo: FKF Media

Benni looking to spring a surprise on Bafana

“So it will be another battle and tactically, I think I have a strong team and if we get things right, we can give them [Bafana] a run for their money.”

McCarthy’s Harambee Stars started their qualification journey with a 1-1 draw at home to Eritrea before they lost 1-0 to Guinea, who had been beaten 2-1 by South Africa before Mosimane’s side thrashed Eritrea 5-0.

Kenya are already qualified as co-hosts, leaving the other three teams to battle for one ticket, but McCarthy is looking to use the qualifiers to prepare his team for the tournament.