Cape Town City boss extends olive branch to Benni McCarthy

Cape Town City chairman John Comitis says he is willing to mend things with former coach Benni McCarthy, who was relieved of his duties at the club midway through the 2019/20 season.

The pair go back to the mid-90s, when the former Bafana striker burst into the scene at the now-defunct Seven Stars outfit from the Mother City.

Comitis willing to make up with McCarthy 

However, their relationship took an ugly turn prior to McCarthy’s dismissal late last year.

The 2004 Uefa Champions League winner revealed earlier in the week that he was willing to fix things with Comitis.

“I have no problem with Benni McCarthy who has been a very close friend to me. Football is football. I’ve known Benni from a young age. If he calls me, I’ll be happy to hear from him. I have big respect for Benni, he is a South African legend,” Comitis told journalists. 

John Comitis

The Citizens’ boss added that McCarthy had the right mentality as a player, and believes he has the wares to succeed as a coach.

“No matter how big the situation, Benni always come up with solutions and smiles. Nothing fazes him, he is always about positivity. He believes in himself and that’s why he got the results here (at Cape Town City).

“No matter how big the manager is, across the world at some stage relationships end. That doesn’t take away the ability that he has and what he has done.

“We wish him all the best. He is destined for bigger things and he will make it,” Comitis added.

John Comitis

McCarthy got his first piece of silverware as City coach in 2018, when he guided the club to the MTN8 title.

After two seasons finishing on the top half of the PSL table, the 42-year-old had a tough time of it in the 2019/20 campaign, winning just twice in 18 matches.

He was sacked in November and was replaced by former Ajax mentor Jan Olde Riekerink.