‘I don’t chase history’ - Benni on why he has always been successful

Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy has revealed some of the key aspects of success that has served him well during the course of his career.

McCarthy says he has never focused on making history or breaking records but his hard work and professionalism has always carried him through to historic moments.

It is the same thing he is facing in his current job as Kenya head coach, a country that is experiencing a reawakening under him, given he has already delivered them to the quarter-final of the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN 2024) against the odds as they were the ‘underdogs’ in what was considered the ‘Group of Death.’

Benni explains why history follows him

CHAN 2024: Harambee Stars eye top spot as they face Zambia in final Group A match

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy: I’m not chasing history. My focus is on hard work and letting the players’ qualities shine. If we win, it will be for them and what it means for their lives,… pic.twitter.com/98Z1ssVyuM
— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) August 16, 2025

“I don’t chase history…Cristiano Ronaldo said he doesn’t chase history. He works towards it and history chases him and I think I am a little bit the same,” McCarthy told the media on Saturday ahead of Kenya’s CHAN 2024 match with Zambia on Sunday.

“If you do look in South Africa, I did not have to be the all-time greatest scorer that the country has but history has just followed me.”

The former AmaZulu and Cape Town City coach says he has never doubted himself whenever he takes on a challenge and believes the rewards will always come even when it looks like it is an impossible job.

What is giving McCarthy confidence?

Benni McCarthy and his coaching staff celebrate Kenya's win over Morocco.

“So, for me, it is about doing the right things, the hard work and letting the players’ quality and then let it shine through on the pitch and whatever happens, if we win the tournament, I will be delighted for the players not because my mind was set on Kenya being 100 and odd years ago [without success],” he added.

“I am not someone that chases numbers, I like to work and make players better, improve them so that they can get better opportunities in life as professionals but also better their circumstances for their own lives. For me, those are the most important values.”

McCarthy enjoyed a great playing career, winning league titles with Ajax Amsterdam, FC Porto and Orlando Pirates, and remains the only South African to have won the UEFA Champions League.

Since moving to coaching, he has achieved success with Cape Town City and AmaZulu and also worked as Manchester United’s attacking coach before moving to the East African nation in March this year.