Former AmaZulu star George Dearnaley has revealed that he was saddened to see Benni McCarthy relieved of his role as the club's head coach earlier this year.
Having guided AmaZulu to a club-record second-place finish in the DStv Premiership last season, which came with a ticket to the CAF Champions League, McCarthy was unable to replicate his team's performances during the 2021/22 campaign.
The Bafana Bafana legend was relieved of his duties by Usuthi in March at a time when the club had been eliminated from the continental competition and languished in ninth position in the domestic standings.
Club legend George Dearnaley believes that McCarthy's incredible achievements last season ultimately contributed towards his sacking when he wasn't able to perform the same miracles this time around.
"Personally, I was sad to see Benni leave the club," Dearnaley tells Kick Off. "I think he was a victim of his own success last season because the expectations have risen.
"The incredible performance in the 2020/21 season meant the club looked to build on this success and that meant strengthening the squad.
"We saw a lot of new players joining the team at the beginning of the season, but we must always remember that players need time to settle at new clubs, with new teammates and possibly a manager they have never worked with before.
"So, I think the squad found it hard at the beginning to adjust to the new players, but the performances weren't bad – they just seemed to be a little out of luck.
"There were a lot of draws in matches that they should have won, and if you don't have a good start, you put pressure on yourself."
Dearnaley also shared his view that the current squad was good enough to bounce back next season and that an overhaul isn't necessary when the transfer window opens at the end of the current campaign.
"I wouldn't make too many changes to the squad," he added. "I think they are finding their feet, they are competitive – they beat Sundowns! There is enough to work with to make the team a very competitive outfit for the next season."
This article is extracted and adapted from the interview with George Dearnaley in the May edition of KICK OFF Magazine. The latest copy can be purchased online or in stores for R27 and includes a full review of AmaZulu's maiden CAF Champions League campaign.