McCarthy has enjoyed an incredible debut season at Usuthu since succeeding Ayanda Dlamini as head coach in December with the club in 12th place in the DStv Premiership.
With 13 wins, five draws and only four defeats in 22 games in charge, the Bafana Bafana legend are on the brink of securing second-place behind champions Mamelodi Sundowns and qualification to the CAF Champions League.
Three points against the fourth-placed Buccaneers would secure this historic achievement and the highest-ever finish in the South African top-flight for the KZN-outfit.
"It's been a fairly long 16 days since we played Baroka and the break, it's been a bit long but at least it gave us an opportunity to work on some tactics with the few extra days to prepare," the PSL Coach of the Season nominee said.
"I would have enjoyed if we could have played one or two friendly games because some of our opponents, especially the ones we playing [Pirates], played two very tough competitive matches. But I'm happy with the attitude and the mentality of the boys and preparations have been good."
"The next three games are three cup finals for us, the club has been for the first time in this situation that we're in - it's better like this than to chase [Champions League qualification].
"We have it in our own hands and it all depends how serious we are to push and to make a real fight. It wasn't by chance that we played the football that we played and won the matches that we've won, we've worked exceptionally hard, the sacrifices that we've made to secure that second-placed finish."