Benni McCarthy Reveals Why He Rejected Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and PSG Before Joining Ajax
South African football legend Benni McCarthy has revealed in his newly released autobiography that he turned down opportunities with top clubs in South Africa and Europe before making his breakthrough in Europe.
The Bafana Bafana all-time leading scorer explained that his early ambitions were focused on playing abroad rather than staying home, even when lucrative offers came his way.
Also Read: “He Was on Another Level”: Benni McCarthy Reveals the Football Icon Who Inspired Him Most
Turning Down Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns
Benni McCarthy recalled that despite standout performances against South African giants Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns, he was determined to pursue a career overseas.
“Chiefs management came down to the dressing room, asking for my number or to speak to my dad about signing me. But I resolved then and there that I did not want to play for Chiefs, even if it had been a club I had loved as a kid,” he wrote.
He added that Sundowns also approached him after a strong showing, confirming to him that he was on the right track.
“Sundowns’ hierarchy approached me after the game and said they wanted to sign me. That is when I realised, ‘Okay, I’m doing something with my soccer.’”
The Tempting PSG Offer
Perhaps the most surprising revelation came in the form of an offer from French giants Paris Saint-Germain. McCarthy recounted how the club’s scouts had watched him in a friendly and immediately faxed a lucrative contract.
“Feyenoord and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) had scouts there in the crowd and the PSG scout made an immediate offer to me after that friendly, even though it was scheduled I would go there on trial after the visit to Ajax. It was a big money deal, a frightening contract. They faxed it through from Paris and I was very keen on the idea,” he wrote.
Despite his admiration for Brazilian star Rai, then PSG captain, McCarthy ultimately chose Ajax Amsterdam.
Finding a Home at Ajax
McCarthy explained that Ajax immediately felt like the right environment for him.
“I loved the way they treated me at Ajax; it felt like I had been at the club for years. I didn’t feel like a foreign player, I felt welcome. I was better than all the youth they had,” he said.
This early decision would set McCarthy on the path to becoming one of South Africa’s most celebrated exports in European football.
Flipcash is Your Trusted PayPal & Crypto Exchange Partner in Zimbabwe — WhatsApp +263 77 163 9263
The post Benni McCarthy Reveals Why He Rejected Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and PSG Before Joining Ajax appeared first on iHarare News.
