Benni McCarthy's Historical Record Sets Him Above Ex AmaZulu PSL Coaches
- Benni McCarthy's win ratio has set a new record for the Durban-based club AmaZulu when he is compared to the likes of Neil Tovey and Clive Barker
- In his first 15 matches at Usuthu, the Bafana Bafana legend stands head-and-shoulders above his predecessors in terms of percentage
- With 10 matches left for him to finish the league campaign, the 43-year-old can possibly win the title should he maintain his form
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AmaZulu coach Benni McCarthy continues to break new grounds as he has just broken the record of any coach at the Durban-based club.
The former Bafana Bafana striker has amassed more points compared to his predecessors after leading the club for close to 15 matches in the DStv Premiership.
The Cape Town-born legend has stabilised Usuthu after 14 league matches in charge of the side where he has seen the club collect 28 points from eight victories, four draws and succumbed to only two defeats - meaning he has 57% next to his name.
According to a report carried by SuperSport.com, McCarthy's average of two points per encounter can be converted to qualities of a title-chasing team and that feat can potentially mean the club can amass a whopping 60 points at the of the current campaign.
Source: Twitter
Looking at the past few seasons, the 60 points mark is good enough for any team to emerge victorious at the end of the season and that would mean Benni can lift his maiden league trophy should he carry on faring well.
Comparing the 2003/04 UEFA Champions League winner with the likes of Roger Palmgren, Stellenbosch manager Steve Barker and current Mamelodi Sundowns boss Manqoba Mngqithi, among others, Benni stands head-and-shoulders above the rest.
McCarthy has already collected more points when you look at what Palmgren managed after his first 15 games in the 2010/11 season, and given that AmaZulu are set to face bottom-placed Black Leopards in their next fixture on April 4, he could extend that record further.
The former Cape Town City tactician's win ratio of 57% is also better than the next highest, Palmgren (47%), with third on the list being Steve Barker (33%) among coaches in their first 15 games.
The fact that only three coaches in the PSL era have managed a win ratio of more than 27% in their first 15 games in charge of the Durban club speaks volumes for the struggles of Usuthu down the years.
Moreover, the Cape Town-born's feat, therefore, means he stands out even further and were he to claim victory over Leopards, his win percentage would move to 60%.
On the other hand, coaches such as the 1996 African Cup of Nations winning skipper Neil Tovey, current Al Ahly assistant coach Cavin Johnson, and Mngqithi are below the 43-year-old.
Tovey rates at 13%, Mngqithi 20% whilst Johnson sits at 20% as well but another big name worth a mention is legendary mentor Clive Barker who also enjoys a 20% win rate.
Taking a glimpse at points collected in the first 15 matches, the former Celta Vigo hitman can rest assured of a top spot as he is followed by Palmgren (25), Craig Rosslee (20), Steve Barker (19), and Mike Makaab (19).
With the KwaZulu-Natal giants occupying the fifth spot on the log table from 20 games so far, the former MTN8 winner with the Citizens could realise new chairman and owner Sandile Zungu’s dream to successfully finish in the top four.
Source: Twitter
Having 10 matches left for them to pull down the curtain on this season, there's no doubt Benni will take it one game at a time and she looks to redeem himself and regain the club's stature in South African football.
Meanwhile, Briefly.co.za recently reported that the 43-year-old wants to turn the team's dreams into reality.
McCarthy stated that he wants to give young soccer players the same opportunities he had. According to the former footballer, the position of head coach was made irresistible by the chairman of the club.
The outspoken manager's passion for change in terms of current and future players is what fuelled his decision to take over the head coaching position.
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Source: Briefly News
