Benni On R100Ks: I Wish I Could Play Again

South African football legend Benni McCarthy expresses excitement about the R100,000 prize awarded to the man of the match in the Carling Black Label competition.

He wishes he were still playing, as he would have fought hard to secure multiple man-of-the-match awards.

Since its inception last year, the Carling Knockout Cup has offered a R100,000 reward to the man of the match. This year’s tournament, won by Magesi FC, saw goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze claim a total of R400,000 after being named man of the match four times. Similarly, Iqraam Rayners earned R400,000 in the previous season for his performances with Stellenbosch FC.

“In this competition you make money,” said McCarthy, who won this competition when it was known as the Telkom Knockout with Orlando Pirates in the 2011/12 season. 

“R100,000 for a man of the match, where have you heard that anywhere else? If you win the Telkom Player of the Tournament, you get R100,00. You win the MTN8 Last Man standing [you get R100,000], but how many games were those – one, two, three, four matches and you get R100,000 and you celebrate with the team and you say ‘ Eyy, gents, it’s for everyone’. “But Carling, it’s one game and R100,000? Please, I wish I could play now because I will be a man of the match every game.”  

McCarthy, currently a Carling Black Label ambassador, is eager to see young talent seize the opportunity to shine in the All-Star team’s match against Magesi FC on December 21st.

He urges them to be fearless and give their all, as a standout performance could lead to significant career advancements.

“Don’t blow this opportunity,” McCarthy advises.

“This is an opportunity that you waited for a lifetime and now be fearless, be brave, and give it everything you have got because, after this, everyone will talk about those young players when you have a game of your life. 

“Mamelodi Sundowns will come and buy you! So, it’s a life changing opportunity and this is a perfect opportunity.”