Benni McCarthy has been in South Africa to promote his new memoir "Benni".
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From growing up in poverty in a gang-dominated neighbourhood on the Cape Flats to becoming the first South African to win the UEFA Champions League, football superstar Benni McCarthy bares it all in his new book, “Benni”.
The authorised biography of Bafana Bafana’s all-time top scorer, published by Pan Macmillan South Africa and co-authored with renowned football writer Mark Gleeson, was released in February.
Through sharing his childhood struggles, which shaped his character and propelled him to European football glory, the memoir seeks to inspire young people to chase their dreams against all odds.
“I want people from all walks of life to see this book as a way to empower themselves,” McCarthy told “Independent Media Lifestyle” ahead of the book launch in January.
“When people look at me, they see someone from a disadvantaged area with no means, only a dream. I am living proof that following your dream can change your life and the lives of everyone you love.”
“Benni” is not a glamour project. It is real, raw, and relatable, delving into the pressures of professional football, mental health challenges and the racial abuse McCarthy endured. “Dealing with racism is unfortunately part of the life we have to live,” he added to “Independent Media Lifestyle. “It is a tough mental challenge, but once you make it, there is no feeling in the world that can replace that.”
To promote his memoir, the 48-year-old Kenya national football team manager spent a week on a book tour in Johannesburg and Cape Town, meeting fans, signing copies, and engaging in Q&A sessions with co-author Gleeson at Mall of Africa and Cavendish Square.
The book traces McCarthy’s journey from Hanover Park to Europe, capturing his time at Ajax Amsterdam, where he faced the daunting challenge of adapting to a new language, culture, and way of life. “For me, Ajax was everything,” he reflects. “Life was much faster. I had to fend for myself and adapt. That was when I became a man.”
It also highlights his legendary period at FC Porto, where he played under José Mourinho and won the UEFA Champions League in 2004, alongside three other major trophies. McCarthy reflects on Mourinho’s influence, describing him as charismatic, demanding and brilliant, a coach who pushed him to reach the highest levels of European football.
The memoir also delves into McCarthy’s coaching experiences, including his time at Manchester United as first-team striker coach. He recounts mentoring top players, including Marcus Rashford, who thrived under his guidance. McCarthy emphasises how this period taught him modern training methods, tactical nuance and player psychology- lessons he now applies as head coach of Kenya, shaping a new generation of talent.
His coaching journey is a story of growth and resilience. After retiring in 2013, he began as assistant coach at Sint-Truiden in Belgium, learning that guiding others required a completely different mindset from playing. Back in South Africa, at Cape Town City and AmaZulu, he navigated club politics, player egos and limited resources, proving that his philosophy of discipline and mentorship could deliver results, including the MTN8 Cup and CAF Champions League qualification.
Throughout, the book emphasises McCarthy’s reflections on life, ambition, and responsibility. “Your life shifts completely when you achieve at a global level,” he writes.
“New opportunities, people’s views towards you change. You become a role model to millions. The feeling is indescribable.”
“People have had a lot to say about me throughout my career,” McCarthy explains. “This is my story from my own perspective. I am proud of what I have achieved, and I am looking forward to sharing it with the world.”