South African football legend, Benni McCarthy has opened up about his decision to turn down an offer to return as head coach of AmaZulu FC, the club he once led to unprecedented success.
In October, AmaZulu’s president Sandile Zungu reached out to McCarthy following the dismissal of Pablo Franco, who was sacked after three consecutive losses early in the season.
However, McCarthy, declined the opportunity, citing his decision to move on from his time with the KwaZulu-Natal club.
“The president sent me a message, and I spoke to him about the possibility of returning [to the club], but I have moved on, and my time at AmaZulu was perfect,” McCarthy revealed.
McCarthy’s tenure at AmaZulu remains historic, having guided the team to a second-place finish in the 2020/21 Betway Premiership—their best-ever league position. He also led the team into the CAF Champions League for the first time in their history.
His time at the club ended in March 2022 after a challenging second season marked by fatigue among players and struggles in the league.
Despite declining the offer, McCarthy has expressed gratitude for his time at AmaZulu, stating that it was a significant chapter in his career.
The club has since appointed Arthur Zwane and Vusumuzi Vilakazi as co-head coaches, signalling a new era.
Sources have told Africasoccer that Benni McCarthy has received offers from Major League Soccer clubs in the United States of America.
