Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy wishes he was still playing owing to the amount of money being given as bonus for Man of the Match in the Carling Knockout.
Since the new format was introduced, the Man of the Match award is now attracting R100,000 with Mamelodi Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners winning four last season same as Magesi FC goalkeeper Elivis Chipezeze this term for a total of R400,000 from the competition.
The Magesi goalkeeper has a chance to make it R500,000 if he puts in an impressive performance again when his team takes on Carling All-Stars this month and McCarthy has expressed his admiration to the big prize money.
Benni wishes he was still playing
“I wish I was still playing, where do you see a R100,000 Man of the Match bonus, that’s more than what players earn at some clubs,” McCarthy, who is a Carling ambassador said.
“So, it’s a great incentive but as I said, the exciting part is now that all teams can experience the involvement of being part of the Carling Cup, not just the Soweto giants, which was amazing while it was there but now to give other teams opportunities.”
McCarthy is also impressed by how competitive the tournament has become with some major scalps claimed this season such as Magesi’s win over both Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.
“Now you seeing David slaughter Goliath situation, because you know in the league for the past four seasons it’s just been one-way traffic, Sundowns has completely dominated the league and no other teams have really got close to them,” he added.
Bafana legend impressed by Magesi’s run
“But in the cup competitions it’s an opportunity in a one-off game you have a couple of games and you find yourself in a cup final but in the league, it doesn’t happen that way.
“So, it’s a nice platform where teams can get involved and there you have it, you have the Magesi’s who surprised loads of people but now people are now excited about Magesi now because of what they showcased in the Carling Knockout.
“Hopefully they can move up in the league because we want our league as exciting as the Carling Knockout Cup was.”
Champions Magesi will take on the All Stars at Orlando on December 21 at Orlando Stadium.
