Benni McCarthy: Man United Coach Explains Ambition to Coach Bafana Bafana

• Benni McCarthy dreams of coaching the South African national team
• The Bafana Bafana legend is currently a first-team coach at Man United
• Hugo Broos led South Africa to a third-place finish at the 2023 AFCON

Manchester United first-team coach, Benni McCarthy, has spoken about his ambition of coaching the South African national team.

Current manager, Hugo Broos, led Bafana Bafana to a third-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

The Belgian tactician was praised for reviving the national team and has been linked with a move away from the team.

McCarthy has been Manchester United's first-team coach since July 2022, and many have backed the former striker to take over from Broos.

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The 72-year-old is coaching his second national team. He led Cameroon to the 2017 AFCON title, and his success with South Africa has linked him with roles in North Africa.

McCarthy says he wants to take over the South African national team sooner.

"I don’t want to be Hugo Broos’ age when I take the Bafana job!” McCarthy told iDiski Times.

“I want to be able to still have the energy that I have. I want to be present for my players. And you know how vocal and how animated I am?"

McCarthy feels South Africa's World Cup drought makes him want to coach the national team.

“I can help our national team qualify for the World Cup. And not just qualify for the World Cup, but going far! Going through the group stages and doing what Morocco and Ghana have done at previous World Cups.”

McCarthy made 81 appearances for Bafana Bafana, the fifth most. Despite retiring from the sport over a decade ago, he remains the country's all-time top scorer, per FIFA.

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McCarthy on why South Africa excelled at AFCON

Sports Brief earlier reported on McCarthy explaining why South Africa thrived at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast.

The former Blackburn Rovers striker said "brotherhood" helped Bafana Bafana go deep into the tournament. The togetherness was a result of players playing for each other.

The 1996 AFCON champions played some of the best football in Ivory Coast, and have been tipped to do well at the next African showpiece.

South Africa beat DR Congo to finish 3rd

South Africa defeated the DR Congo to finish third at the 2023 AFCON, as Sports Brief reported earlier.

After a 0-0 draw following 90 minutes in Abidjan, Ronwen Williams saved spot kicks from Chancel Mbemba and Meschack Elia to give Bafana Bafana the bronze medal in the Ivory Coast.

DR Congo will regret many missed opportunities during the regular time in an entertaining encounter. South Africa maintained a perfect record in third-place play-offs, having beaten Tunisia on penalties 24 years ago.