Pitso McCarthy expresses sympathy for sacked Benni McCarthy

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has chimed in on the recent foreign-born coaches in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

The early stages of the season have already claimed some casualties, with the likes of Clinton Larsen and Cavin Johnson all losing their jobs, and later replaced by foreign coaches.

Pitso Mosimane backs Benni McCarthy

The latest to be sacked was Benni McCarthy who, after being relieved of his duties at Cape Town City, was replaced by Dutchman Jan Olde Riekerink.

Mosimane said he was perplexed at the Bafana legend’s sacking.

“It is unbelievable, it is sad,” said Mosimane.

“And I never saw it coming. I never thought Benni would take coaching this serious and he really came on and took it to another level. Of course they were not winning a lot of games this season but they were playing well,” he added.

“The guy has only been coaching for two years and he has already won a cup. There are coaches in this country who have been coaching for more than 10 years and they have not won a cup.”

Pitso Mosimane

McCarthy was released by City after a string of bad results.

Before he was sacked, the club had won just once in 11 matches across competitions.

Mosimane says McCarthy should have been given a chance to turn things around.

“I always like to speak for local coaches because I believe local coaches have done it and they can do it. Gavin Hunt has shown that he can do it. I was very angry when Clinton Larsen was fired. I was not happy when Cavin Johnson was fired, and what has happened (since he left)? Is there a big difference? No, not really.

“We as South Africans don’t get the jobs when we go abroad. They don’t take us. I can’t go to Germany, they won’t take me. Our guys need to be given enough time and even those (foreign coaches) who are here, how many years have they been here and what have they won? Steve Komphela was let released from the job at Chiefs after he had finished third. Where did Chiefs finish (after he left)? If you give a local coach enough time, they will turn it around. I was given chances and I have won everything in Africa.”

Pitso Mosimane

City face Bloemfontein Celtic away when they return to action on Wednesday, 27 November.