Wednesday, August 29, 2007

The Prodigal Son Returns

Christmas came early for South African fans this year: Benni McCarthy has agreed to join the national squad for next month's African Cup of Nations qualifier in Cape Town.

McCarthy last played for Bafana Bafana at the 2006 Nations Cup in Egypt. He blamed the South African FA for demonizing him during after a pay dispute. Since then, it seems that he's gotten his club career on track, scoring 24 goals in 50 appearances for Blackburn last season.

South African coach Carlos Alberto Parreira had this to say:
I had a long, fruitful and frank discussion with Benni while in England over the weekend and he provided me with the assurance that he wants to play for his country. Leaving him out, in the circumstances, is a luxury we cannot afford.
All reports stated that the team looked weak up front last week against Scotland, opening the door for McCarthy's return. South Africa currently lead their African Cup of Nations group by three points over Zambia, their opponent next month.

Benni finally back for Bafana [Sunday Times]

-ac

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