Benni McCarthy expects no special welcome on Orlando Stadium return

Benni McCarthy says he is not expecting a hero’s reception when he returns to Orlando Stadium as Kenya head coach for Friday’s African Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa.

The former Orlando Pirates striker will be in the opposing dugout at the ground where he enjoyed some of the most successful moments of his playing career. However, McCarthy insists his emotional connection with those days ended when he retired from football.

McCarthy was part of the Pirates side that secured a historic domestic treble in the 2011/12 season. His career also included winning the UEFA Champions League with FC Porto, while he remains Bafana Bafana’s all-time leading goalscorer.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference at Orlando Stadium, McCarthy played down the prospect of an emotional response from the supporters who once watched him play in the Pirates colours.

“The emotions died the day I hanged up my boots. So now it’s just memories. For me, it was good memories. It was a good time,” said McCarthy.

The former Bafana Bafana striker also made clear that he did not expect the home crowd to support him or Kenya during the match.

“…because what happened in the past happens in the past. Now I’m going to be facing their team, their players and I’m on the opposite dugout. So I’m not expecting anybody in the stadium tomorrow to cheer for me or for my team because we’re going to be looking to beat their team. And vice-versa.”

McCarthy’s focus is now on trying to guide Kenya to victory against the country he represented during his international career.

McCarthy hopes to meet familiar faces

Although he does not anticipate any backing from the stands while the match is being played, McCarthy said he would still welcome the chance to reconnect with people he knew during his time at Orlando Pirates.

“I’ll have a laugh and cheer with the people that I remember from my time back when I used to play here at the stadium.”

His return gives Friday’s fixture an added personal dimension. McCarthy will be leading Kenya against South Africa at a stadium associated with his achievements as a Pirates player, rather than appearing in the colours of the team or club for which he became widely celebrated.