Blackburn Boss Surprised By McCarthy's Omission

Blackburn boss Mark Hughes has admitted he was surprised to hear that Benni McCarthy had been left out of South Africa's squad for the African Nations Cup.

Hughes was expecting to be without his 30-year-old leading goalscorer for up to a month in the New Year while he participated in the tournament, which is taking place in Ghana in January.

There was a suggestion, denied by Hughes, that a deal had been struck with the South African FA.

"It was a surprise to Benni initially that he got called back into the squad earlier this year," Hughes told the Lancashire Telegraph.


"But they have a new manager and, obviously, he wanted to see what options he had. “Maybe that's behind it. I’ll have to speak to Benni because I was unaware of it.

"We haven't put any pressure on Benni or South Africa not to include him, and we were preparing to be without him."

mtn


I cannot see the logic behind this and I think South Africa will struggle for goals without him. Rovers must be thrilled though

Why in Gods name did South Africa not include McCarthy? I know he has frequently had fallings out with various managers and staff, but surely, with the way he is playing for Blackburn now and the lack of other decent strikers you would surely risk it for their Continental Cup!!!

I dunno, how African football operates sometimes astounds me. Its never dull though!

South Africa were already struggling with him in the qualifications and in the last Nations Cup. God knows what's going to happen without him.

They are gonna struggle without him he would have been their main goalscorer it does not look good for South Africa..

Makes u flash back to when he made his debut in the africans nataions champ he kicked ass heck he was in one of the songs after that... the track was tight too

This gets me really worried for 2010. You would think that South Africa would be want to be excelling on the pitch to take some of the focus away from their building shortcomings. This makes no sense.

Yeah I remember that...it was in 1998 in Burkina Faso. South Africa beat Namibia 4-0 and Benni got all the goals ...

I do think Parreira will regret this and if Benni continues to impress for his club, he could still be in the frame for 2010.

McCarthy is a fucking wanker and doesnt deserve to play for South Africa. Im glad he has not been included. Benni is someone who never wants to play for his country unless a big tournament is coming up. He will retire from international football and then when the world cup comes along then he wants to play. He obviously doesnt have any pride in wearing the jersey so he should just stay away permanently imo.