McCarthy thrilled with Pirates win

Benni McCarthy was delighted after netting a brace in Orlando Pirates’ 3-2 Premier Soccer League win over their perennial rivals Kaizer Chiefs.

McCarthy confessed that he grew up a ‘massive Kaizer Chiefs fan’ and he was nervous at the prospect of facing his childhood heroes, but said he was relieved at the outcome.

“First of all, I have to say that growing up I was a massive Kaizer Chiefs fan, so I’m a little heartbroken,” McCarthy told Kickoff.com.

“I was so nervous in the morning and I was telling Tebogo Moloi (Pirates assistant) that I don’t understand why I was so nervous because I have played in the UEFA Champions League final and some other big games.”

The former Bafana Bafana international also commended Chiefs for putting up a gallant fight, which made it an interesting match for the 87,171 fans who packed the FNB stadium to the rafters.

“Credit to Chiefs, because from 3-0 down they could have dropped their heads,” he said.

“This is probably the best atmosphere I have been involved with.”

The Cape Town-born marksman has now scored seven league goals, two less than Katlego Mphela, Siyabonga Nomvete and Edward Manqele.