Benni McCarthy: Ex-Orlando Pirates Star Narrates How Bafana Bafana Legend Splashed R100k on Drinks

• Former South African international has opened up on how Benni McCarthy shut down a nightclub for him on his birthday
• The Bafana Bafana legend, now turned coach, was said to have splashed a huge amount of R100k on drinks in one night at the club
• The former Cape Town City head coach was known to be a leader, and his act of generosity during his playing days, especially with his Bafana Bafana teammates

Former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo recently shared a story about a birthday celebration organised by current Kenyan men's national team coach Benni McCarthy that left a lasting impression on him.

Mhlongo, who represented Pirates between 2011 and 2017, spent two seasons playing alongside McCarthy (2011–2013). He confirmed that the 2004 UEFA Champions League winner once used his entire national team bonus of R100,000 to throw him a birthday party that left him surprised.

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The former South African goalkeeper, often the second-choice keeper at both the Sea Robbers and Bafana Bafana, recalled how McCarthy made him feel extraordinary by booking an entire nightclub exclusively for his birthday celebration.

McCarthy shuts down nightclub for birthday

Mhlongo, during a recent interview, shared the story of how he has never seen anything like what McCarthy did for him that day in his life.

“I’ll share a story about national team bonuses,” Mhlongo opened up during the interview. “This guy [McCarthy] receives R100k from the tournament. I’ve never seen anything like it. He sent me a photo of, I think, R100k in cash and said, ‘This is for all of us to enjoy.’ I had no idea what he meant at the time. Then he asked me what I wanted to do for my birthday, and I said, ‘Nothing special, we can just go out.’

“But he didn’t do the usual group outing. He closed the club just for me and threw a huge party with that R100,000. Everyone was invited because it was my day. I felt like royalty. That money came entirely from Benni.”

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McCarthy: A teammate and leader

McCarthy was admired by his Bafana Bafana teammates for always speaking up and making sure the players were treated fairly, including receiving their payments on time.

The former Orlando Pirates striker also knew how to celebrate life, and those close to him often benefited from his generosity.

McCarthy went on to have a successful stint in Europe before returning to the Premier Soccer League in 2011, joining the Sea Robbers despite being linked with Kaizer Chiefs.

He recently explained why he decided not to join Kaizer Chiefs when he returned to South Africa and also addressed being fat-shamed during his time with West Ham United in the English Premier League.

Ex-Pirates star dreams of coaching Chiefs

Briefly News earlier reported that a former Orlando Pirates forward harbours aspirations of coaching Kaizer Chiefs in the future.

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The former Bafana Bafana star also mentioned an English Premier League giant as one of the clubs he dreams of managing in the future.

Source: Briefly News