Benni McCarthy, the Harambee Stars coach and South African football legend, has publicly criticized the attitude of some South African players, particularly highlighting their lack of ambition and drive in their careers. Despite the immense talent pool in South Africa, McCarthy believes that many players are complacent and satisfied with playing in the local Premier Soccer League (PSL), a decision he sees as limiting their potential.
McCarthy, who enjoyed a distinguished playing career in Europe, made it clear that South African players are not setting their sights high enough. He stressed that during his own youth, he was driven by the ambition to play for top European clubs, specifically Manchester United. For McCarthy, this goal was not just a dream but a minimum target that pushed him to work relentlessly to achieve it. He used his own career trajectory as an example, highlighting how he eventually made his mark in the Premier League when he joined Blackburn Rovers in 2006 from Portuguese club FC Porto. That season, McCarthy finished as the Premier League’s second-top scorer, behind only Didier Drogba, showcasing his quality on the global stage.
Reflecting on his journey, McCarthy explained that having an ambition to compete against the best in the world was crucial to his success. He mentioned that he set high standards for himself, ensuring he pushed to compete with the best players and teams on the global stage. For him, playing against the best players in the world, like Cristiano Ronaldo or Kylian Mbappé, was not just a goal but a testament to his hard work and dedication. This kind of ambition, McCarthy believes, is something that is currently missing from a large number of South African players.
The former West Ham striker argued that while the Premier Soccer League is strong, it does not offer the same level of competition and challenge as top European leagues. Playing in South Africa, according to McCarthy, would not allow players to experience the intensity of the Champions League or face off against globally renowned players. He pointed out that staying in a comfort zone, such as the PSL, means players miss out on testing their skills at the highest level and against the world’s best. This is a crucial opportunity for personal and professional growth that many players are not seizing.
For McCarthy, the drive to improve and achieve greater things should be a fundamental aspect of any player’s mindset. He argued that players should actively seek out opportunities to challenge themselves by moving abroad, playing against the best teams, and ultimately improving their game. Without that hunger for progression, players risk underachieving and stunting their growth. McCarthy stressed that the ambition to play in prestigious competitions, like the UEFA Champions League, should be the ultimate goal for any footballer, especially those from footballing nations like South Africa, where the talent is abundant.
McCarthy’s words come at a time when South African football is looking to revive its international standing. While the country continues to produce exceptional players, McCarthy’s critique points to a mindset that might be holding some back from achieving greatness. For him, the idea that players are content with playing in their home league is a disservice to their potential and to South African football as a whole.
As the coach of Kenya’s national team, Harambee Stars, McCarthy is in a unique position to encourage players to pursue such ambitions, fostering a mindset of growth and competition at the highest levels. The challenge is clear: to break out of comfort zones and aim for the very top, where true greatness lies.
