STILL GOT IT

Orlando Pirates striker Benni McCarthy’s brace in the match against Golden Arrows proved that he still has a lot to offer at the top level of the game and also it showed the South African national team manager that he was wrong to leave him out of the World Cup 2014 qualifiers squad.

The 34-year-old Benni McCarthy is widely regarded to be the greatest striker for South Africa, but the South African national football team manager Pitso Mosimane decided to leave him out for the qualifying matches. The national team will be looking to make their appearance in only their second World Cup after performing extremely well in the home World Cup two years ago.

The 4-2 win over Golden Arrows ensured that Orlando Pirates won the title that will give them the opportunity to play their hands on the prize money of $ 1.3 million. Benni McCarthy scored two goals in the second half of the match to once again criticise the decision to leave him out of the squad. South Africa did not do well in the latest African cup of nations after they scored only four goals in the six matches, which has led to calls for inclusion of the stars like Benni McCarthy and Siyabonga.

“Benni might have had his differences with some national football association officials in the past, but he has been a reformed character playing at Pirates this season. S have found him to be a model footballer who is disciplined and trains hard. It is all very well saying South Africa must find players for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, but first you have to get there,” said the manager of Orlando Pirates – Augusto Palacios – after winning the title. Benni McCarthy has 31 goals in 79 appearances for South Africa.