Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy received plenty of love from South Africa and beyond as he celebrated his 47th birthday on Tuesday.
South Africa’s all-time top scorer was celebrated for his achievements on the pitch, by the football community as well as fans, with his ex-clubs also wishing him well as he turned a year older.
One of those was English club Blackburn Rovers, who he starred for between 2006 and 2010, and was the club’s leading scorer in the 2006-07 season with 18 Premier League goals.
“Happy birthday to our former top scorer and South African football legend Benni McCarthy,” Blackburn posted on Facebook.
“Great goal scorer I was so shocked when we managed to sign him from Porto. Happy birthday, Benni,” added a Blackburn fan known as John James Hindle on the platform.
Plenty of love from McCarthy from ex-club
McCarthy also coached Cape Town City which he led to the MTN8 title in 2018 and the club also celebrated him.
“Former coach Benni McCarthy turns 47 today. Happy Birthday, Benni,” Cape Town City posted on X.
The post was met with calls for the club to consider bringing him back given he is currently unemployed while the Citizens are struggling.
“This one must come back. The current one I think all of us we don't (sic) understand him.”
– Maxwell Luidge Hambira
“How about [you] take him back. He gave you a good reputation and brought joy in Cape Town football.” – Mpumzi Tsawe
“I miss him, since he left, things have never been the same.” – Nokubongwa Sibiya
Should Cape Town City bring back Benni?
“Happy birthday Benny, come back to CTC, CTC was playing strong attacking football, even though results on your second season after winning MTN were not coming. Pirates never beat us.” – David Mbele
“Bring him back cause ever since he left the team lost the spark & also the chairman should stop selling his key players.” – Yongama Yongama
McCarthy completed his career at Pirates where he helped them win their last PSL title in 2012 and Bucs fans also celebrated him.
“Happy birthday to Orlando Pirates legend Benni McCarthy. Here is one of his best collections in Black and White,” posted @Benzo_Ndlovu.
Mzansi rally behind one of their own
South African football fans also rallied behind one of their favourite sons.
“We salute our SA heroes…Happy birthday Benni…be blessed with long life and great health to live your purpose In His Majesty’s Service.” – Life Coaching Through Scripture
“Our greatest football exports. In the eighteen area.” – Thabang Tyga Mosia
McCarthy had a storied football career that took him to Ajax Amsterdam, Celta Vigo, FC Porto, Blackburn West Ham United and Pirates, winning league titles in the Netherlands, Portugal and South Africa, while he remains the only player from Mzansi to win the UEFA Champions League.
