Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy had to fight back tears as he eulogised one of his former team-mates.
McCarthy, who is now in charge of Kenya, was asked about his former FC Porto team-mate Jorge Costa, who passed away on Tuesday, following a cardiac arrest at the Portuguese club’s training ground.
Costa’s death sent shockwaves in the football world and McCarthy is among those who have been deeply affected by his passing.
While speaking to the media in Nairobi ahead of Kenya’s 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN 2024) match against Angola on Wednesday, McCarthy was asked about his relationship with Costa and his reaction was a deeply emotional one.
Tearful Benni lauds former team-mate
“It was not an easy day yesterday [Tuesday]. The best we can say is to the family of Jorge, we hope they get the best support,” McCarthy said McCarthy.
“We are in a group [of ex-Porto players] where we exchange stories. He was an elder bro and a leader. When things did not go as they were meant to be, he was there. We can take all the incredible moments we shared.
“When I joined Porto, I was an unknown kid from Africa and he looked after me and I have great respect and admiration for him,” the former AmaZulu and Cape Town City coach added as he fought back tears.
What made Jorge Costa a Porto legend?
Costa played for Porto for 15 years from 1990-2005, making 530 appearances, while winning numerous trophies, including eight league titles and the Champions League in 2004.
He played with McCarthy for two years from 2003-2005, as both featured in Jose Mourinho’s all-conquering Porto side that won the 2004 Champions League following victory against Monaco in the final.
The former defender, who died aged 53, was serving as Porto’s director of professional football by the time of his death.
