Benni McCarthy has admitted that he wanted Kaizer Chiefs to win the CAF Champions League, even though it would’ve meant they kick AmaZulu out of the competition.
The reigning DStv Premiership Coach of the Season has opened up on his feelings around the CAF Champions League after Al Ahly beat Amakhosi 3-0 on Saturday.
Many thought McCarthy wouldn’t have rooted for Chiefs because had they won the trophy they would’ve qualified for next year’s CAF Champions League campaign and replaced Usuthu in the continent’s elite club competition.
However, the 43-year-old has revealed he was backing Chiefs, the club he supported growing up.
“I was holding my breath because I knew Chiefs was up against it,” he told Robert Marawa on Marawa Sport Worldwide.
“But I was really hoping for South Africa’s sake, because we pride ourselves that our league is the best in Africa, so it would’ve been exceptionally great if we could’ve had a South African team winning the CAF Champions League. But unfortunately things didn’t go accordingly.
“But I was rooting for Chiefs, I was rooting for Chiefs. Not for my benefit, we worked our socks off and we deserve to play in the CAF Champions League, but I’d never wish ill for anyone representing our country.
“I wanted Chiefs to win, irrespective of us getting knocked out of it. It’s just a shame (they lost) because as a kid I was a Chiefs supporter, growing I supported Chiefs, why wouldn’t I want them to win?”
The draw for the preliminary Champions League rounds will take place on 15 August, when AmaZulu and Mamelodi Sundowns will learn about their opponents.
