LISTEN: Benni McCarthy talks football and growing up on Cape Flats in new autobiography

Legendary South African footballer and coach Benni McCarthy shares his inspiring story in his autobiography, Benni.

Written alongside sports broadcaster Mark Leeson, he shares his journey from humble beginnings in Cape Town to becoming one of the country’s leading goal scorers.

“[Leeson] He was someone who was there from the beginning, and I felt that it was only fitting for him to tell my story… He covered my story from the dusty streets to when I made my first debut; he was there,” said McCarthy.

Hailing from the Cape Flats, McCarthy explained that he would never take his success for granted.

“Joining a gang was the easiest thing to do, so when you go to football, people sit you down straight away, saying, ‘You’ve got no chance. You’ll never make it out of here.'

“Football really gave me that opportunity to go and express myself.”

His passion for football continued to strengthen as a coach, from AmaZulu to Manchester United. 

“I wanted to be the manager that I would have liked to play under, that’s how I look at it… I wanted someone responsive, who had dialogues with you… I try to be honest and open about it as much as I can,” he said. 

McCarthy highlights the importance of football in his life, how it gave him a sense of purpose and helped him escape the harsh realities of his environment.

He emphasised the importance of staying true to yourself and your values.

“Whatever you go through in life, the minute you step foot on that football field, there is no rich or poor. Everyone starts on the same level, and it's your talent against everyone else. And when you do it, the love and affection that you get from people from all walks of life, for me, that’s the beauty of the game.”  

To listen to McCarthy in conversation with 947’s Anele and the Club, use the audio player below: