Benni McCarthy is nervous.
I couldn’t help but find the symmetry in his words ahead of his debut match as head coach and the verse in his first No.1 music hit Shibobo with TKZee.
Benni leads Cape Town City tomorrow into their opening MTN8 clash against Polokwane City at Cape Town Stadium.
It’s going to be massive - and Benni shouldn’t worry about the butterflies in his tummy.
Playing and being on the sidelines is a totally different experience.
And if he has done his homework, the match should end in a maiden victory for the Hanover Park legend.
For the last two seasons, the side has been one of the most consistent in the country.
As Mpumalanga Black Aces and their first season as a Cape side, the team has been one of the big boys.
Plus the confidence and the experience from last season in the squad should stand Benni in good stead.
Add to that the new signings in Teko Modise, Lyle Lakay, Ayanda Patosi and Jeitoso, the 40-year-old has a team that will have the talent and togetherness to get into the next round.
FOLLOW THE LEADER: Teko Modise
If Benni has anything to worry about, it’s not his nerves. It’s the players’ rustiness that he needs to manage.
He should remember what he has learnt as a player and make sure that his manne know what is expected from them.
What everyone wants to see though is Benni’s sideline personality.
He played under some big characters during his playing career.
But who will he be most like?
Will he be like Louis van Gaal? Manchester United fans hated the way he sat in the Old Trafford dugout and only making ridiculous protests when he came out of his technical area.
Will he be like big Sam Allardyce and bark orders?
Or will he be like Jose Mourinho and just be special?
I can’t wait to see how he does.
One thing is for sure, his players will be watching too. And he will have to show the right emotions at the right time to send the right messages to lift his team when he needs to and when to calm them.