Benni McCarthy at training yesterday

Benni – There is Bafana without me

Benni McCarthy – There is Bafana without me

Posted: 20 May 2010 Time: 02:30 pm

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Bafana Bafana striker Benni McCarthy demonstrated some calmness when responding to allegations that he is "fat" and not fit for the World Cup next month.

The team's physical trainer Francisco Gonzalez was quoted on Tuesday by the Brazilian website Globoesporte.com saying "McCarthy's percentage body fat is high. And his physical state is inferior to the rest of his team."

However, the West Ham United striker says he still shares a healthy relationship with Gonzalez and doesn't understand the hullabaloo surrounding the whole issue. "My relationship with him is still excellent and this has not been affecting me, because I came here with one thing in mind and that is to be in the World Cup squad," he said today in Marks Park, Johannesburg.

"My preparation has been going very good and I have been working extremely hard. I'm starting to feel better. I'm starting to feel more like my usual self, so these are good signs for me. I'm going to try to catch up for lost time. Hopefully when May 31 comes I will make it to the squad," says the Cape Town-born marksman.

The 2004 UEFA Champions League winner with Porto says what has been written about him in the media regarding the thorny issue that he is fat hasn't affected his focus.

"Not really. When the coach names his 23-man squad I will be hoping I will be part of the group like anyone else. Some have been fortunate because they have been with the team for the last three months, the ones that went to Brazil and Germany. Everyone is working hard to be selected to be a part of the 23-man squad, including myself.

"Without me the team can still go on and achieve greater things. I'm just a player who can bring something to the team. I don't see why the whole issue about Benni this and Benni that. I'm just an individual, who is part of the group that represents you guys and the millions of South Africans," McCarthy added.

Article by: Tiyani wa ka Mabasa

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Anonymous
posted: 02:40 pm
Well spoken bennito well spoken bro, u must tell them that talk is cheap. i knw u will do the talking on the pitch. I'm behind u all the way
Anonymous
posted: 02:43 pm
well said benni,maybe you must tell teko how you handle the media issue,cauz the dude got killed by bona bo ra di media
Maestro KC
posted: 02:45 pm
this is contradicting statements made by the SAFA CEO that he was upset about being called fat.

You are correct Benni, there is a Bafana without you as you will see...

Ke nako
Anonymous
posted: 02:46 pm
dont worry Belly MacCarthy...if off form "Fong-kong" Modise cant make the final 23...and Aaron "Nkomo" Mokoena can make the final 23 too...why cant an over-weight Belly MacCarthy make it too...i feel certain individuals in both the Bafana set-up and the media are trying by all means to push you out al-together....
we need you, seun...so keep working hard....i also believe you'll be "ok" to contribute to the squard!!
good-luck
K-lab
posted: 02:48 pm
"Without me the team can still go on and achieve greater things."

Now that's maturity boy,whatever these brazillians r doing 2 school nd nurture u it's working.

Hayi lokhu umuntu is being attacked by media nd expects CEO Sedibe 2 cover 4 him.Hawu yini lokho?
Modise,i stil critisize him,is he running away or Crying no not at all.
Shame poor Modise.hehehehe!Nx!
Mesh - K 4 L
posted: 02:57 pm
K-lab: 2010-05-20 14:48 [ Report ]

Shuuu!! TIVANI soccer critic will kill you,don't talk abt his "Girlfriend" like that

Hhe he he he !!!
Anonymous
posted: 02:59 pm
I think the media should stop saying bad things about bafana players coz this could bring their morals down during this crucial stage, cum june 11 and beni shall prove his critics wrong. feel it, its here
Swona Champ!
posted: 03:02 pm
best striker in SA so far, not even one of the great players we keep talking about have EEFA Champions league medal, and thae prove is when he speaks his mind they follow, where is thetimes scribes now!
Anonymous
posted: 03:13 pm
Well said Bennie. I do not understand all this issue about u. U r one part of the team not the team. Bafana r a group not a one man team. With or without u there is stil Bafana Bafana. I hope u do make the cut my brother. Goodluck I'm behind u n the team 100%. God bless Bafana Bafana!
Anonymous
posted: 03:16 pm
In fact if you included in the team we will go nowhere,you are just
a fat loudmouth who doesn't have passion for your country..I hate Benni and i wish you get fatter and fatter sothat West Ham can dump yu as well, Nx!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anonymous
posted: 03:17 pm
This is definitely what I call true sense of maturity. Well spoken my bra.

From the tone of your words it seems like you've grown up and for once u r dedicated and determined to offer your best to your mother country....

I support you more than 100%, we don't have an ideal marksman not to mention quality, experience and capability in the current Bafana Bafana squad. Yet I believe and rally behind them. Like it or not Bafana will go far in this showpiece… Mark my words…

Not that Mphela, Parker and Bhele are Bennie’s minnows; they haven't found their best as yet... Thus I believe they need you to supplement your capabilities...

All the best to you, Bafana, South Africa and all African countries...

Robby wa Diski99
Anonymous
posted: 03:17 pm
and loyal...thats why i still like him...so, basically if i was bafana coach...i'd start off with you(Belly MacCarthy) and Parker upfront...then latwe need you Belly MacCarthy....i still thing you are the best striker this country has ever had...only person who could have easily replaced you is the late Lesley "Slow Poison" Manyathela...Killer Mphela is ok...but he's not world class...Parker tries hard but is light weight too...Bhele Nomvete is commited er replace Parker with Bhele...then later giving Killer Mphela a chance to conbine with Bhele Nomvete upfront....
Anonymous
posted: 03:21 pm
I hate this guy with all my life cos he doesn't respect his country,no passion..just a FAT loudmouth who plays when he wants.Our boys worked hard and there are better players who derserve call-ups and not you.I wish you get fatter and fatter sothat West Ham can dump you as well.Bloody Loudmouth, Nx!!!!
Anonymous
posted: 03:22 pm
Well said Bennie. I do not understand all this issue about u. U r one part of the team not the team. Bafana r a group not a one man team. With or without u there is stil Bafana Bafana. I hope u do make the cut my brother. Goodluck I'm behind u n the team 100%. God bless Bafana Bafana!
Anonymous
posted: 03:23 pm
we so need you Belly MacCarthy....i still think you are the best striker this country has ever had...only person who could have easily replaced you is the late Lesley "Slow Poison" Manyathela...Killer Mphela is ok...but he's not world class...Parker tries hard but is light weight too...Bhele Nomvete is commited and loyal...thats why i still like him...so, basically if i was bafana coach...i'd start off with you(Belly MacCarthy) and Parker upfront...then later replace Parker with Bhele...then later giving Killer Mphela a chance to combine with Bhele Nomvete upfront....
Anonymous
posted: 03:26 pm
well said benni..forget these haters!!!!especially Tivani!!!!tivani task for you...go to youtube, look for teko, pienaar then benni...tell me wht you got!!fool
Anonymous
posted: 03:36 pm
Sello I am warning u. R u sick or well? Have u ever played soccer wena? Nxa I do not think so. Kepp yo selfish stupid opnion to yoself.

Bennie will b in the eighteen area come world cup n morons like u will b happy forgetin u were the one callin for his head.
Anonymous
posted: 03:37 pm
Sello I am warning u. R u sick or well? Have u ever played soccer wena? Nxa I do not think so. Kepp yo selfish stupid opnion to yoself.

Bennie will b in the eighteen area come world cup n morons like u will b happy forgetin u were the one callin for his head.
LeKhosi
posted: 03:45 pm
"Without me the team can still go on and achieve greater things"

This is the same benni that said he is the best in this country and the team needs him,all he needs is 1 touch to score.
Anonymous
posted: 03:47 pm
Well said benito wabantwana!!!uthi ukuma kancane ngamagwinya..
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