sportskeeda
Benni McCarthy has dismissed rumors linking him to the Mamelodi Sundowns coaching position following Rulani Mokwena’s departure.
Currently without a contract after his tenure with Manchester United, McCarthy has previously managed Cape Town City and AmaZulu in the PSL. He was also speculated to be a candidate for the head coaching role at Kaizer Chiefs.
“Honestly, I have not engaged in any discussions with Sundowns. There have been speculations, just as there were regarding my potential appointment at Chiefs. But rumors are just rumors, and I don’t give them much importance,” McCarthy remarked.
“I have not had any conversations with Sundowns; there has been no communication between myself and the club, so let’s clarify that immediately.
“I believe they have skilled coaches on board. We need to show respect to these coaches and avoid adding unnecessary pressure by suggesting I’m joining because those individuals need to focus on their tasks.
“They are outstanding coaches, and I have great respect for them. I want them to operate in a peaceful environment and concentrate on their roles since they are not merely representing their clubs, but also highlighting South African football on a global stage—demonstrating that it’s progressing.
“Moreover, South Africa must show that we have one of the leading leagues on the continent and can rival some of the European leagues. That’s our ambition.
“Clubs like Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, and Chiefs must maintain their performances on the continental level to uphold South Africa’s reputation.
“It’s essential that these coaches have the peace and respect they deserve. I don’t wish to interfere with anyone’s position, but I can definitively say that the idea of me transitioning to Sundowns is completely unfounded.”
While McCarthy denied the Sundowns speculation, he mentioned a chance meeting with Sundowns’ sporting director Flemming Berg at an airport in Europe, clarifying that their discussion was centered on McCarthy’s time with FC Porto, not coaching opportunities.
“It’s possible,” McCarthy replied when asked about the alleged coffee meeting with Berg.
“How that took place? I’m not sure. I bumped into him at the airport while I was heading to acquire my coaching badges in Wales, passing through London. Our conversation was casual and had nothing to do with ‘Sundowns are seeking a new coach.’ Our discussion was unrelated to that.
“I didn’t get the sense that they were hunting for a coach. Our dialogue revolved around my FC Porto experiences when he was associated with Chelsea and living in Portugal, where we encountered each other multiple times during my youth.
“Our conversation was based on general topics outside of South African football, and that was really the extent of it.
“I can see why individuals might make assumptions and try to connect the dots. But it wasn’t the case, especially since they seem satisfied with their current coaching staff, which is understandable given their leading position in the league for the seventh consecutive year or even longer.”
Despite refuting the Sundowns rumors, McCarthy disclosed that he has been in talks with three clubs in Major League Soccer, facilitated by his agent Rob Moore’s strong connections. “So, I’m being considered by a few teams there,” he mentioned.
McCarthy made these statements during a Carling Black Label press conference on Wednesday, where he serves as an ambassador.
