Benni McCarthy is worried about the state of Bafana Bafana as they head into their must-win Afcon 2019 qualifier with Nigeria this weekend.
The Cape Town City boss pointed out South Africa’s constant failures to qualify for the biggest tournaments.
And with the growing number of injuries weakening coach Stuart Baxter’s squad for Saturday’s 3 pm showdown at Soccer City, the Bafana legend is not too confident.
After playing down the possibility of taking up the national team reins last week, Benni says anyone who gets Bafana qualified would become an “instant hero”.
He says: “The 2002 World Cup was the last time we proper qualified for anything. We didn’t have to qualify for 2010 [as hosts].
“When you look at that statistic, you say to yourself ‘my God, you become an instant hero if you manage the team and qualify them for a World Cup’.”
Asked about Bafana’s chances of getting a good result against the Super Eagles this weekend, he says: “Good luck to Bafana.”
Baxter is without the likes of midfielders Kamohelo Mokotjo, Dean Furman, Bongani Zungu and Keagan Dolly.
And the shock return of Thulani Serero is also in danger, due to a “slight injury” which forced the 27-year-old playmaker to train alone.
INJURY CONCERN: Thulani Serero. Photo: MUZI NTOMBELA/BACKPAGEPIX
Baxter also has concerns over back-up goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who is being monitored for the next two days due to a “minor setback”.