AmaZulu head coach Benni McCarthy has paid homage to his squad and club hierarchy after scooping the 2020/21 PSL Coach of the Season award.

McCarthy pipped Golden Arrows’ Mandla Ncikazi and Mamelodi Sundowns co-coaches Manqoba Mngqithi and Rhulani Mokwena to the prestigious title after leading Usuthu to second-place in the league.

Having been appointed as the successor of Ayanda Dlamini in December with the club in 12th place in the DStv Premiership, a club record run of 16 games without defeat inspired them to their highest-ever finish in top-flight history.

The runners-up spot also qualifies them for next season’s CAF Champions League, should Kaizer Chiefs not win Africa’s elite club competition this season.

“I couldn’t have done it without my amazing technical team, these guys, their loyalty and work ethic and support that they’ve given me has made me work to the best of my ability,” McCarthy told the club’s media team.

“As a team, we were able to get over the line and make sure we qualify in second position for the CAF Champions League so I’m grateful for these guys.

“But most importantly the players must take all the credit, they’ve been fantastic since I’ve walked through the door, they’ve given me everything of them and more to enjoy a historical season for AmaZulu football club