McCarthy still believes in PSL veterans
The older you get, the wiser you become. This is what AmaZulu coach Benni McCarthy believes regarding the most senior players in his squad.
Usuthu is one of those teams that have always believed in giving chances to older players such as the late John ‘Shoes’ Moshoeu, Moeneeb Josephs, Mabhuthi Khenyeza and Siyabonga Nomvethe.
In the current squad they have the likes of Siphiwe Tshabalala (36), Tsepo Masilela (35), Lehlohonolo Majoro (34), Siphelele Mthembu (33), Luvuyo Memela (33) and Mario Booysen (32).
Many believe their time playing top-tier football is long over, but McCarthy says in South Africa it is very easy to write off players who are closer to 30 while they still have a lot to offer.
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“The problem in South Africa, if a player is 29/30 then it’s [considered] over the hill. How old is Cristiano Ronaldo? How old is Lionel Messi, you know? How old is Gareth Bale?” McCarthy asks.
“There are so many top players who are in their 30s and to us in South Africa, yeah he’s finished and klaar. I think I can still squeeze a little juice out of these players.
“So I’m not hungry to make changes and get overpriced players when you could use the experience that you have here in the team to combine with the young players.”
McCarthy believes once that combination works out, Usuthu will be a more exciting team in the DStv Premiership and achieve their objectives.
“Once we find the right formula you know it’s going to be an exciting time in KwaZulu-Natal,” he adds. “I think this team will keep climbing the ladder and that’s my ultimate goal, so we can achieve that together.”
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