Bafana need more players like Benni McCarthy to compete globally: Dwight Yorke
Dwight Yorke emphasised the need for SA to produce more players like Benni McCarthy to elevate Bafana Bafana’s status in world football following their Africa Cup of Nations exit and upcoming Fifa World Cup participation. Picture: Saeed Khan/AFP
Image: Saeed Khan/AFP
Following Bafana Bafana’s Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) exit at the first knockout stage, Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke said the problem in SA football is a quality one.
Yorke, who won three Premier League titles, one FA Cup and one Uefa Champions League trophy with the Red Devils, was speaking as Bafana will now turn their attention to the Fifa World Cup later this year.
On Sunday, Senegal stunned hosts Morocco 1-0 in the final to be crowned champions in a match which was marred by some dirty tactics by the hosts.
Meanwhile, the 54-year-old Yorke did not seem overly impressed with Bafana’s exit from the tournament in the Round of 16 to Cameroon long before the tournament came to a close.
Dwight Yorke Not Impressed by Bafana Bafana
“South Africa have been a hit and miss for a number of years. They've only qualified for the World Cup this year, having missed out on appearing in the tournament since they were hosts in 2010,” Yorke told PokerScout.
“They've gone through a transitional period. Most of the players are playing in South Africa, but they haven't got the big names, like Benni McCarthy, who was in the Premier League. They haven't got that experience, so it doesn't come as a surprise that they are outsiders for the World Cup.
“They're just finding their way back into international football; they're getting a little bit more recognition. They will be in the World Cup, which is great for them. It's a country that I think should be doing far better than what they have because of their league and the competitiveness within that league."