Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy feels Mamelodi Sundowns duo Teboho Mokoena and Ronwen Williams are good enough to be playing for a UEFA Champions League team.
McCarthy says he would not hesitate to bring the two to Europe if a coaching opportunity presents itself to him as that would be the only way to open doors for South African players abroad as he believes the country has been left behind.
While discussing some of the jobs that he is looking at, South Africa’s all-time top scorer revealed that his agent is in talks with Scottish side Hibernian, who are currently struggling, and were the job given to him, he would look to bring in South African players to help him improve their fortunes.
Benni wants Tebza & Ronza in Europe
“The team would be much more competitive because I would have a pool of top South African talents that I would want in the shop window and into the big leagues,” McCarthy said on Marawa Sports Worldwide.
“I would bring in some South African players into the Scottish league to come and play there and just kill it and then from there, that is how you get your name out.
“Teboho Mokoena, Ronwen Williams, we share the same agent, not that I would want to cripple Sundowns, but these are players that I think the country should see them playing in the Champions League and the big stages and having their names amongst the Jude Bellinghams, [Kylian] Mbappe’s and that.
“Playing just locally in South Africa, yes you make a name for yourself, but you never win anything because if you are not playing at a European club is completely different so those are two names that you want.”
Would Mofokeng make it abroad?
Asked if he thinks Orlando Pirates youngster Relebohile Mofokeng can make the jump, McCarthy supported the idea.
“Mofokeng, there are a whole lot of other players. Young player, 20-year-old, you convince Pirates to let you take a player like that to whatever it is that you coach in Europe, let him shine then you sell him on to the Man Citys, Man Uniteds, Real Madrids or Barcelona [and] Pirates make stock full of money for just letting that player go,” he added.
“That is what you could do if you get such kind of opportunities but because you don’t get those opportunities, your hands are kind of tied at your back.”
McCarthy is currently on the lookout for a new coaching opportunity after leaving Premier League side Manchester United at the end of last season, having worked as the club’s attacking coach.
