Former Manchester United assistant Benni McCarthy reveals how close he was to coaching Orlando Pirates - 'I think there would have been fireworks'

Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy has disclosed how he was on the verge of joining Orlando Pirates before Dr. Irvin Khoza entrusted Spanish coach Jose Riveiro to take charge of the team.

The Sea Robbers appointed Riveiro as their head coach in June 2022 after parting ways with Fadlu Davids and the demotion of Mandla Ncikazi, who were co-coaches.

Before the appointment of the 49-year-old Spaniard, Bucs fans were calling for the hiring of the Cape Town-born mentor, who had been dismissed by AmaZulu by that time. 

Now, McCarthy has revealed just how close he came to securing the Pirates coaching role, asserting that he would have performed wonders at the Khoza-owned club had he been given an opportunity to lead.

"There was a chance once upon a time, way before Jose Riveiro came to Pirates. I did speak with the chairman, Dr. Irvin Khoza. It was almost a done deal kind of me going back to coach the Orlando Pirates,'' McCarthy said on Radio 2000's Game On.

"But I think the Chairman at the last minute decided to go for someone with more experience because, like I said, I didn’t have a lot of coaching experience.

"But I think I would have done an amazing job because of the players that Pirates had at the time. I think not even Sundowns could have come close. But Sundowns then had coach Pitso and were able to achieve everything they have done because they were coached properly by a proper coach," explained the outspoken mentor.

"If I was given that opportunity with that Pirates team, I think there would have been fireworks. But, unfortunately, that is how close I came to coaching Pirates and after that, it was just always rumours," he added.

"People were connecting me to coaching Pirates, likewise Chiefs when there was a vacancy my name was thrown in, but I think it was also to attract other coaches when it looked like Benni McCarthy is close to signing for one of those two teams."

McCarthy is currently without a club after his contract with English Premier League powerhouse Manchester United came to an end in June.

He has been linked with various clubs and he recently confirmed that he took part in three interviews at Major League Soccer teams, although he was unable to disclose names. 

McCarthy, who clinched the MTN8 title with Cape Town City and led AmaZulu to qualify for the Caf Champions League three years ago, should not be short of suitors considering his extensive experience.

While waiting for offers, McCarthy has indicated that he is remaining open to prospects from ambitious PSL clubs and any significant European teams.

It will be intriguing to see which club he ultimately joins after having been away from the dugout for some time.

Meanwhile, Riveiro will be striving to continue making history with Pirates, as his team prepares for their Caf Champions League match against Al Ahly on Saturday.