Ndumiso Mabena could not stop talking about his former Orlando Pirates strike partner Benni McCarthy for his incredible work at Manchester United.
The pair were part of the “Mabakabaka” team that won the treble in 2011/12 season, with Mabena saying he feels proud to have shared the pitch with someone he idolised.
“He’s been my role model ever since I’ve been playing football and thank God, I had the chance to play with him as well,” he told the media.
Mabena played with Benni McCarthy during his first spell at Orlando Pirates, when the former Porto striker decided to end his career back home after a tumultuous time at West Ham United.
Ndumiso went into McCarthys’ latest adventure at Manchester United as a striker coach after leaving AmaZulu with an impressive record, which involved guiding Usuthu to a surprising second place finish in the 2020/21 Premiership campaign, and with this securing their first ever taste of CAF Champions League football.
Now McCarthy is credited with helping Marcus Rashford to produce the best season of his career so far.
“Seeing him coach at Manchester United, I’m proud. He’s a South African, I’m proud as a South African,” Mabena continued.
“If you can see, ever since Benni got there Rashford has been scoring consistently. You have to be proud when one of our fellow South Africans is doing well abroad.
“I think we just have to learn from him. He’s done well for himself, for his family, for the country as well. He is the man.”
Mabena himself has only featured once since his return to Orlando Pirates, but will be hoping for an opportunity when the Buccaneers face rivals Kaizer Chiefs in Saturday’s Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium at 15:30.
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